Kindergarten Entry Age Change

For the 2024-2025 school year, the state of Connecticut adopted new legislation changing the Kindergarten entry date. Students must now turn 5 on or before September 1 of the current school year. The legislation also allows for school districts to enroll students who have not turned 5 by the September 1 deadline if (1) the parents make a formal request in writing and (2) the school district conducts an assessment to ensure that this would be developmentally appropriate for the student. Connecticut is one of the last states in the country to make this change which supports research showing that students who begin Kindergarten at 5 years old demonstrate stronger performance than their younger classmates.

Registration Information for Children Who Have Turned 5 by September 1, 2024

Please contact the main office for a Kindergarten Registration Packet (officewes@woodstockschools.net). In addition, the main office will need:

  • a copy of your child’s birth certificate

  • the Affidavit of Residency Form requiring notarization from a public notary

  • a copy of your driver’s license with your current Woodstock address

  • one of the following: utility bill, rental/lease agreement, or closing papers

  • current physical with immunization records

    We have set aside the dates March 19th, 12pm - 6pm and March 20th, 8am - 4pm for families to stop by and submit these documents. If these times do not work, please reach out and let us know so that we can make alternate arrangements. More information regarding a Kindergarten screening, transportation, and orientation will be provided.

Information for Children Who Turn 5 between September 2, 2024, and December 31, 2024

For this year only, we plan to offer a full-day transitional PreK class to students who fall into this category. While not expected, this may change to a half day program if enrollment exceeds 20 students. If you wish to enroll your child in this class, please contact the main office at 860-928-0471 by March 15, 2024, so that we may get your contact information and finalize plans for the 24-25 school year.

If you would like to keep your child out of school for an additional year, you need to do nothing until next year.

If you wish to request early enrollment into Kindergarten for your child, please fill out this Request for Early Kindergarten Entry Form by March 15, 2024. As required by state statute, an in-person assessment to determine student readiness for Kindergarten will be scheduled. Appointments will be scheduled after April 1, 2024. Your child will need to meet Kindergarten readiness benchmarks in literacy, numeracy, language, gross and fine motor skills, and social skills. This Hello Kindergarten brochure from the Office of Early Childhood Education may help with your decision.

Families will be provided with the DIAL 4 Parent Questionnaire to complete after receipt of the online form to assist in the decision-making process. This must be returned at your child’s in-person assessment.

Families will be notified in writing of the district’s early entrance decision by May 3, 2024. The district’s decision will be final, and no additional assessments will be granted. Families should not complete Kindergarten Registration packets prior to receiving the district’s decision.

Please do not hesitate to reach out with any questions!

Sincerely,
Jenna Demers

Principal