Parents Urged to Enroll Kids in Kindergarten

The Hawaiʻi State Department of Education reminds parents to plan ahead and enroll for kindergarten early.  The 2016-17 public school calendar is slated to start on Aug. 1, 2016.

Children must be 5 years old on or before July 31 to enter kindergarten. Children who turn 5 on Aug. 1, 2016 or later should enroll the following school year. Kindergarten is mandatory in the State of Hawaiʻi.

“We encourage our parents to familiarize themselves with kindergarten requirements and to enroll their children early,” said Superintendent Kathryn Matayoshi. “Kindergarten is a critical time to give our keiki the solid academic foundation they need for future success.”

Parents of children younger than the mandatory kindergarten specifications have several educational options, such as pre-school at a private provider or pre-kindergarten classes available at 19 select schools statewide. Priority will be given to children born in 2011 to enroll in these pre-kindergarten classes.

Parents whose children attended kindergarten outside of Hawaiʻi or at a private school in the 2015-16 school year can discuss enrollment options with their home school. Despite many possible placement scenarios, the final decision for a child’s placement will be based on the principal’s discussions among parents and the appropriate teaching staff.

More information about enrolling in kindergarten in the State of Hawaiʻi is available on the Department of Education website under the tab for kindergarten and Frequently Asked Questions. Parents should also visit the enrolling in school page to be sure they have the necessary documents to enroll their child, including birth certificate, tuberculosis clearance, a completed student health record and proof of current address.