Early School Entrance

District Position

It is the presumption that students will enter kindergarten and first grade at the ages prescribed by state law.  Those seeking early entrance into kindergarten or first grade must demonstrate a need for early education as identified by their readiness levels in developmental areas.  Decisions regarding early entrance must include consideration regardless of race, color, gender, religion, ancestry, national origin, marital status, age, disability, or sexual orientation of children or their families. 

Kindergarten Early Entrance Admission Standards

To be eligible for early entrance to kindergarten, the following criteria and procedures must be followed:

• To be considered for early entrance into kindergarten, a child must turn five years of age before October 1.
• Any evaluation will be performed by a District 30 School Psychologist.
• The parents shall bear the cost of the evaluation
• Any request for early entrance must be received in writing to the Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction no later than April 15.
• Admission standards will be based on the following quantitative assessments:
  • The screening assessment consists of Tests of Early Literacy and Tests of Early Numeracy, with a cutoff established at the 97th percentile nationally.  This assessment determines whether or not additional assessments are necessary.
  • An IQ test with cutoffs established at the 97th percentile.
  • The child’s preschool teacher will complete a behavior rating scale and/or SEL screener.
• If the cutoff scores for the assessments are met, an observation of the student at his or her preschool and a teacher interview will also be completed.
• Recommendations for placement will be made to the Superintendent no later than May 15.  All placements will be made at the discretion of the Superintendent.

Grade One Early Entrance Admission Standards

To be eligible for early entrance for grade one, the following criteria and procedures must be followed:

• A child entering first grade must be six years of age on or before September 1 of that school term.  A child who has not completed public school kindergarten and who attains the age of 6 years before November 1 may be considered for placement in first grade according to the following guidelines:
  • Parents shall register the child for kindergarten at the school of attendance and submit the request for grade one placement.
  • A district school psychologist may conduct observations of the child.
  • A district school psychologist may conduct interviews with appropriate instructional and/or administrative personnel.
  • If additional information is required, a district school psychologist will test the child and recommend it to the Superintendent.
  • The evaluation standards include the following:
    • Administration of an IQ test with a cutoff established at the 97th percentile nationally.
    • SEL screener/questionnaire by the previous teacher.
    • Any additional assessments deemed necessary by the district’s school psychologist; examples of additional assessments might include the Tests of Early Literacy and Early Numeracy, as well as a behavior rating scale.
    • Recommendations for placement will be made to the Superintendent by May 15. All placements are made at the discretion of the Superintendent.