Army · Lakewood, Washington

Joint Base Lewis-McChord School Districts
PCS School Enrollment Guide 2026

72 schools serve the Lakewood area. Use this guide to enroll your children before, during, or after your PCS move to Joint Base Lewis-McChord.

MIC3 Protection: Military families are guaranteed school enrollment at the destination using PCS orders alone — even before securing permanent housing. Invoke your rights under the Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children.
School Districts Serving Joint Base Lewis-McChord
Clover Park School District
Serves Lakewood area · District 1 of 2
Enroll →
Bethel School District
Serves Lakewood area · District 2 of 2
Enroll →
⭐ Top-Rated Schools Nearby
★ Lakes High School
★ Clover Park High School
📞 Key Contacts
Joint Base Lewis-McChord School Liaison Officer
📞 (253) 967-1110
🌐 Lakewood Family Support Center
Clover Park School District
📞 Search district website for enrollment phone
🌐 Enrollment & Records Office
Washington Dept. of Education
📞 Search: Washington MIC3 coordinator
🌐 MIC3 Interstate Compact Coordinator
📋 Step-by-Step Enrollment Guide
1

Contact the School Liaison Officer (SLO)

The SLO at Joint Base Lewis-McChord is your first call. They know local districts, special programs, and enrollment timelines. Reach them through the Family Support Center.

2

Research districts & school ratings

The Clover Park School District has 72 schools. Use GreatSchools.org and the DoD's School Liaison portal to compare ratings and programs.

3

Gather enrollment documents

You'll need: PCS orders, birth certificate, immunization records, current transcript/report card, any IEP or 504 plan, and your on/off-base address or lease.

4

Request records transfer

Ask your current school to send records electronically. Federal law (FERPA) requires they release records within 45 days of your written request.

5

Enroll and resolve IEP/504 within 10 days

MIC3 requires the new district to honor existing IEPs and 504 plans within 10 school days. Document everything in writing if there are delays.

✅ PCS School Checklist
Request School Liaison Officer contact
Research school ratings on GreatSchools.org
Gather immunization records
Obtain current transcripts/report cards
Copy IEP/504 plan documents
Confirm new district's enrollment timeline
Submit enrollment packet with PCS orders
Confirm sports eligibility transfer
Set up parent portal account at new school
Notify school of special dietary/medical needs
Confirm bus route or transportation plan
Schedule meet-the-teacher before first day

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📍 Related Bases — Moving from Joint Base Lewis-McChord to one of these?
Fort Sill
Lawton, Oklahoma · Army
Fort Campbell
Clarksville, Kentucky · Army
Redstone Arsenal
Huntsville, Alabama · Army
Fort Novosel
Daleville, Alabama · Army
Frequently Asked Questions
What school district serves Joint Base Lewis-McChord?
The primary district(s) are: Clover Park School District, Bethel School District. 72 schools serve the Lakewood area.
Can my child enroll before we have a permanent address?
Yes. MIC3 guarantees enrollment using PCS orders alone — before permanent housing is secured. Contact the School Liaison Officer to invoke this right.
How do I transfer my child's IEP to Lakewood schools?
The new district must honor your child's current IEP within 10 school days. Bring a copy of the IEP to enrollment. The SLO can advocate on your behalf.
Are DoD schools available at Joint Base Lewis-McChord?
DoDEA schools are available at some installations overseas and at select CONUS bases. Check with the SLO at Joint Base Lewis-McChord for current DoDEA availability in Lakewood.

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