Kindergarten 

Welcome to Kindergarten

We welcome students to their first year of school with plenty of fun activities, exciting classrooms, and nurturing educators. We believe that a child’s success in kindergarten sets the right tone for years of academic progress, and we work hard to make that success possible for every child.

Step 1: Is my child eligible for these programs?

Residency

• Your child must be a resident of the District of Columbia in order to be eligible for a free public education at DCPS.
• If you are not a resident of the District of Columbia, you may pay non-resident tuition to enroll in a DCPS school where space is available. For more information, contact the Student Residency Office at (202) 442-5215.

Age

• Your child must meet legal requirements for age eligibility in order to enroll at DCPS.
• For kindergarten, your child must turn five (5) years of age on or before September 30 to be eligible.

Step 2: What does DCPS offer my child?

Basic Facts About Kindergarten at DCPS

• Full-day, free kindergarten is available to all DC residents.
• Our kindergarten uses the regular school system calendar.
• Kindergarten students benefit from a comprehensive curriculum that meets the full range of children’s developmental needs.
• DCPS is excited to have an early childhood curriculum called Tools of the Mind, which will help your children acquire the skills they need to set a foundation for long-term success in school.
• Teachers are encouraged to individualize instructional practices based on the interests and skills levels of each child.
• All DCPS kindergarteners are assessed with the DIBELS (Dynamic Indicators of Basic Early Literacy Skills) reading instrument. This helps teachers know which of their students may need additional supports and reading interventions. This assessment tool also helps teachers monitor their students’ progress, and guides their literacy instruction.
• Art, music, and PE are provided for every child.
• Special Education services are available for students with special needs.
• Services are available for students who are English Language Learners.

Learn more

• Learn more about the DCPS Academic Plan.
• View academic offerings in DCPS.

Step 3: How do I find school options for my child?

Find Your Neighborhood School
A neighborhood school is a school assigned to a student based on his/her address. (Please note that students with special needs or limited-English may be assigned to a school other than their neighborhood school in order to better serve their needs.)

• Find your assigned DCPS neighborhood school.
• Look at a map of neighborhood school boundaries.

Learn About Opportunities to Attend a Different School

• Out-of-Boundary Lottery
• Title I School Choice

Step 4: How do I enroll my child in a DC Public School?

Download all enrollment forms »