Enrolling in Kindergarten in Arizona: What You Need To Know

Is your little one ready to sign up for school? As you prepare for that important first day of kindergarten, you’ll want to be informed well in advance about requirements for kindergarten entrance and registration.

Districts vary on when they begin taking sign-ups for kindergarten. Most begin pre-registration in early spring for the following fall. The number of hours your child will spend in school each day varies from district to district, although the state requires that students complete a minimum number of hours per year. Here are some general guidelines on what is required for kindergarten enrollment in Arizona. Be sure to check with your local school district for their specific requirements, too.

1. To be eligible for kindergarten, your child must be 5 years old on or before September 1 of the current school year.

Arizona state law requires that children between ages 6 and 16 must be enrolled in public, private or home schools. However, the vast majority of families choose to enroll their children in kindergarten at the age of 5. Occasionally, a district may make an exception and admit a student younger than 5 years old if the district decides it is in the child's best interest to start school at an earlier age. In such a case, the child must be 5 by January 1st of that school year.

2. You have to fill out registration and emergency medical referral forms.

Check with your local district for their requirements.

3. You may be asked to provide the following:

• Proof of your child's age and identity: either a birth certificate or another reliable document stating the child's identity and age (such as a passport, school ID card, school record, report card, military ID, hospital birth record, adoption record or baptismal certificate)
  
• Proof of residence, such as driver's license, voter/motor registration card, utility bill, rent statement, income tax return statement, proof of home ownership (including a mortgage statement) or any official document showing both your name and address
  
• Records of vaccination and immunization against specified diseases: Check with your school district to find out which immunizations are required

Making the Transition to Kindergarten

The No Child Left Behind Act requires schools nationwide to develop a transition plan to help children move smoothly from early childhood programs to elementary school. Schools are also required to provide information on developmental stages and what to expect in kindergarten. Check with your local school district about receiving this information.

Additional Resources

To find out more about your school choice alternatives in Arizona, click here.

For more information about kindergarten, consult your local school district or check the the National Association for the Education of Young Children Web site for more information and resources.