Kindergarten in Columbus
Your comprehensive guide to Kindergarten Readiness 2024
Kindergarten enrollment in Columbus can feel like a maze! From school options to deadlines and those confusing half-day schedules, it's easy to feel overwhelmed.
Let's break down the process and help you get your child confidently enrolled in kindergarten. We’ll start with some frequently asked questions.
What is the age requirement for starting Kindergarten in Ohio?
Per the Ohio Department of Education, “A child must be at least 5 years old to enter kindergarten or 6 years old to enter first grade.” Each district chooses either August 1st or September 30th as the date by which a child must be five years old to enter Kindergarten; this information should be posted on your school district’s website, or easily provided to you upon request.
When does Kindergarten Start?
The start date for Kindergarten will depend on which school district your child will enroll in, but typically this falls on the second week of August.
Upper Arlington:
Upper Arlington City Schools offers full-day Kindergarten beginning on August 16th, 2024.Dublin:
Kindergarten at Dublin City Schools is a half-day program with AM or PM options beginning on August 15th, 2024.Grandview Heights Schools:
Grandview Heights offers full-day Kindergarten with staggered start dates of August 13th - 15th, 2024.Gahanna Jefferson:
Gahanna kindergarteners begin the 2024-2025 school year on August 15th.
Hilliard City Schools:
Hilliard City Schools offers full-day Kindergarten at their elementary schools. The 2024-2025 school year begins on August 21st, 2024.New Albany
New Albany offers full day and half day (AM+PM) Kindergarten. The first day for full-day Kindergarten is staggered depending on last name. Last names A-K 8/21 and last names L-Z on 8/22. Half-day K last names A-K is 8/23, and last names L-Z is 8/26.Olentangy Schools:
Kindergarten students in Olentangy Schools attend on a Monday/Thursday or Tuesday/Friday schedule with alternating Wednesdays. The 2024 school year begins on August 15th, 2024.Columbus City Schools:
The first day for students at Columbus City Schools for the 2024-2025 school year is August 21st, 2024.
You can easily search online for your school district’s calendar for further information on any orientation dates or Meet the Teacher events they offer!
Does Balanced Family Academy offer Kindergarten?
Balanced Family Academy offers full-day, supplemental, and enrichment Kindergarten options in Upper Arlington, Dublin, and Powell.
What makes Kindergarten at Balanced Family Academy Unique?
Balancing work and your child's education can be a challenge, especially with complex public school schedules. At Balanced Family Academy, we understand the needs of working families. We tailor our programs to give you the power of choice, and a peace of mind that your child is getting the best educational experience possible. Here's what sets BFA apart:
Full-Day Learning Option: Maximize your child's learning potential with our full-day kindergarten option, ensuring a consistent and engaging educational experience.
No School? No Problem! If your child is enrolled with another district, we keep the learning going on days most schools close, giving your child consistency and enriching opportunities.
Work Schedule Alignment: Our extended hours (6:30 am - 6:00 pm) accommodate your busy schedule and minimize the need for additional childcare before and after school.
One-Stop Convenience: Simplify your life! With siblings in our care too, you get the ease of a single drop-off and pick-up.
Focused Learning: Our superior ratios mean your child gets personalized attention from three dedicated teachers throughout their kindergarten day.
Stress Free Nutrition: Healthy meals fuel their bodies, and we know you don’t have time to pack. We provide Kindergarten students with a nutritious morning snack, lunch, and afternoon snack-all made fresh in our BFA Cafe.
Extra Curricular Activities: There’s no need to rush your child to an extra program after school. Our school day includes yoga, nature classes, and jump bunch-all part of your tuition.
How do I enroll my child in a Columbus area Kindergarten for 2024?
Most school districts use online systems such as PowerSchool or Infinite Campus to process enrollment. The registration window typically opens in January or February and lasts through March, depending on the school district. Once your child’s enrollment is confirmed, you may have the opportunity to participate in Kindergarten screening for your child, as well as open house events for your child to meet their teachers. Enrollment processes may vary by district so be sure to check with your local school district to find more information on enrollment windows and deadlines, online portals for registration, and more!
What documents are required for Kindergarten registration?
Most schools require the following documentation to enroll a child:
Proof of residency in the district
Birth certificate
Proof of custody/guardianship
Immunization records
What do Kindergarten children learn?
The first quarter of Kindergarten is generally spent covering letter names/sounds and numbers 0-10. Mastery of these skills is not necessary prior to Kindergarten! By the end of the year, students will be able to recognize letters and sounds, print most uppercase and lowercase letters, sound out and blend words back together, read many high-frequency words by sight, and solve simple math problems.
How can I tell if my child is ready for kindergarten?
To be ready for Kindergarten, your child must be cognitively, physically, and socially ready to be in school. Download our Kindergarten Readiness Checklist to evaluate your child for kindergarten readiness!
