Kindergarten

Kindergarten students practicing math with whiteboards

To enter kindergarten, your student must be five years old on or before August 31. 

The kindergarten program in the Northshore School District provides children a foundation for academic success and develops an enthusiasm for life-long learning. Student outcomes are standards-based and focus on the whole child:  academically, socially, emotionally, and physically.  

Before school begins, kindergarten teachers will meet with families to get to know the students, their families, and their stories. Additionally, teachers evaluate students in many areas to determine students' strengths. This helps teachers plan a program based on the needs of the children.

The developmentally appropriate learning environment provides substantial opportunities to learn through purposeful play that honors student choice and provides teacher-guided, interactive small-group, and large group experiences. The kindergarten school year is an important time to provide students with rich, relevant learning experiences that allow them to reach goals that are both challenging and achievable regardless of their varied experiences and backgrounds upon entering kindergarten.

 

Enrollment

Enrollment is now open for the 2023-24 and 2024-25 school year! Our online enrollment process will allow you to complete the process from anywhere at any time. Visit our enrollment page to begin.

 

 

Highly Capable Process for Kindergarten

Students at the kindergarten level who exhibit highly capable tendencies may qualify to be on a holistic learner watch list. This is not part of our formal highly capable services which begin in grade 2. Families, teachers, and others may refer a student in kindergarten to be placed on the Holistic Learner watch list for potential highly capable characteristics. The kindergarten referral process will consist of a data review using data we already collect. Visit the Highly Capable Services page for more information...

 

Early Entrance to Kindergarten

Although Northshore does not encourage early entry for the vast majority of students, application for testing for early entrance is available at parent expense for students who turn 5 between September 1 and November 30. Learn more about Early Entrance...