Early Childhood:  Early Entrance to Kindergarten

Early entrance to kindergarten is considered acceleration. It is not a waiver of the age of entry regulations. Early entrance will be considered for high performing children who are 5 years old by November 1 and who demonstrate capabilities in reading and mathematics warranting early admission.

 

Applications will be accepted from April 1 through August 1.

 

For families moving into St. Mary’s County from another area, applications will be accepted until September 30.

 

 

The procedures for early entrance to kindergarten include the following steps:

 

  • Request an Application and Information Profile from the school your child is zoned to attend.

  • Complete the Application and Information Profile and return it to the home school principal.

  • You will receive written confirmation within two weeks that your request was received; and you will be contacted by the school to schedule an assessment date for your child.

  • Proof of residency and an original birth certificate must be presented on the day of assessment.

  • The decision regarding early entrance will be based on the results of the assessment. You will receive a letter with the decision from the principal within two weeks of the assessment date.

  • If your child is granted early entrance to kindergarten, all relevant kindergarten policies will apply to him/her, including school attendance. 

  • The child’s placement in kindergarten will be monitored closely for the first thirty days to assure his/her successful adjustment. 

  • If concerns are expressed by school staff and/or the child’s parent(s)/guardian(s), the Pupil Service Team will meet to review the placement and make a recommendation concerning continued placement.  

  

REMEMBER . . . the intent of the above procedures is to make kindergarten available to a high performing student who is capable of working in a classroom setting with children who may be over a year older. These standards are high to ensure that children are not frustrated by the acceleration.

 

Did You Realize That. . .

·        young children are emotionally vulnerable and may become stressed and anxious when adult expectations for their performance exceed their developmental capabilities?

·        when your child's advanced placement peer group reaches adolescence and are old enough to date, drive, and assume other adult prerogatives, the same rights will be denied to your child who is chronologically younger?