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McDowell Elementary in Petaluma is an exceptional choice for families seeking both strong academics and a truly supportive community. As a dual-language Spanish immersion community school, McDowell provides students with the gift of bilingualism while embracing a whole-child approach that extends far beyond the classroom. Families benefit from wrap around services including on-site adult education, physical and mental health offerings and food support.
McDowell School Tour Dates
- November 12th & 18th
- December 1st, 11th, & 15th
- January 14th, 20th, & 26th
All tours start at 9:00 AM
Priority Enrollment Window
Applications open: Friday, January 1, 2027
Deadline: Sunday, January 31, 2027, at 11:59 p.m.
More enrollment info:
Apply Now
Start Your Enrollment
Answer a few quick questions to see exactly what to do next.
Your next step ·
Apply as a new student
- Your preferred school does not have to be your neighborhood school. You can select two schools on the application and rank them in order.
- Transitional Kindergarten: your child must turn 4 on or before September 1 of the year they start school. Kindergarten: your child must turn 5 on or before September 1.
- Missed the January 31 deadline? You can still apply; offers are based on available space at your school of choice.
Live outside PCS district?
Students who live outside PCS boundaries can apply to attend our schools through an Interdistrict Transfer. See our Transfer Information page for more information.
Transfer InformationOnce your transfer is approved, apply as a new student.
If you are applying to one of our 5 charter schools, you do NOT need to apply for an interdistrict transfer. Choose "Yes" in question 3.
Applying to a charter school
PCS has five charter schools. Charter schools don't have attendance boundaries, so any student can apply regardless of where they live, and you don't need an Interdistrict Transfer.
- Dual Language Immersion Academy (grades 7-8)
- Mary Collins at Cherry Valley (grades TK-8)
- Penngrove Elementary (grades TK-6)
- Petaluma Accelerated Charter (grades 7-8)
- Valley Vista Public Waldorf (grades TK-8)
applications open , and are due .
New to PCS? Complete the Online Application for New Enrollees.
Find your District of Residence
Find out if you live in our district, and which school serves your address, on our Find Your School page.
Find Your SchoolIf you don't live within our district boundaries, you can apply for an InterDistrict Transfer (IDT) to attend our schools. If you are applying to one of our 5 charter schools, you do NOT need to apply for an interdistrict transfer.
Once you know where you live, answer question 4 above.
Moving up to junior high or high school next year?
Current PCS students do not submit a new application. Your child is pre-enrolled at their next school:
6th grade to junior high
Students at Mary Collins at Cherry Valley or Valley Vista Public Waldorf continue at their current school through 8th grade.
8th grade to high school
Want a different school? Submit a request in the Aeries Parent Portal between January 1 and 31. Leaving PCS? Let us know during that time as well.
Staying at your current school? You don’t need to do anything.
You must attach photos of the following documents in order to complete an application:
- Birth Certificate
- Immunizations
- Proof of Residence
After you apply, your school will contact you to confirm enrollment.