County-District-School (CDS) Codes
The CDS (County-District-School) code system is an administrative
convenience designed to provide the California Department of Education
(CDE), the Department of Finance, and postsecondary institutions
with a basis for tracking schools.
This 14-digit code is the official, unique identification of a
school within California. The first two digits identify the county,
the next five digits identify the school district, and the last
seven digits identify the school.
CDS codes are not assigned to programs. Evidence that the entity
is a school rather than a program is provided by the governing
board action approving formation of the school and board action
establishing the school. Governing boards can act only by a majority
vote at a public meeting (Education Code sections
1011, 1013, 1040, 35163, 35164; Government Code section 54950 and
following (the Brown Act)).
Resources
Forms and Instructions
- Application
for a County-District-School (CDS) Code (form TSD-01) (DOC;
53KB; 2pp.; 05-Mar-2008)
This form is used to open a new school or district. - Change Request for
a County-District-School (CDS) Code (form TSD-02) (DOC;
53KB; 2pp.; 05-Mar-2008)
This form is used to change information regarding a school, including contact information, school name, school type, grade span, etc. This form is also used to close a school. - Change Request for a County-District (CD) Code (form DMD-02D) (DOC; 41KB; 1p.)
This form is used to change information regarding a district, including contact information, district name, grade span, superintendent contact information, etc. This form is also used to close a district. - Frequently Asked Questions
- Information Sheet for Charter Schools
Returning Forms
CDS
Administration
Data Management Division
California Department of Education
1430 N Street, Suite 6308
Sacramento, CA 95814
