TRANSITION TO KINDERGARTEN

Will your child be 5 on or before August 31 of the current school year?
If so, it’s time to start thinking about Kindergarten!

ARE YOU READY FOR KINDERGARTEN?

Are You Ready for K? on Biteable.

HOW CAN I HELP MY CHILD BE “READY FOR KINDERGARTEN?”

Many caregivers have questions about how to get their children ready for kindergarten. While there are many different opinions and viewpoints about what makes a child “kindergarten ready,” remember that every child is different. Kindergarten teachers are used to welcoming children of all backgrounds and levels of readiness into their classroom every year.

Your child may also have questions about starting kindergarten. To help your child get ready for making the transition there are a few things you can do before the first day:

Talk with your child about their new school. What are they looking forward to? What are they wondering about?
Find books at the library about getting ready for school to read to your child.
Practice getting ready. Help them pack their backpack with their daily supplies.
If possible, take a trip to their new school. Even seeing the school from the outside can help your child feel more prepared for the first day

Click here for an informative blog post by one of our Early Childhood Program Consultants about Kindergarten Readiness!

DATES TO REMEMBER

*2021 dates will be added when we know more*

The open enrollment period for Asheville City Schools’ 2021-2022 school year is February 1 – March 8.

Asheville City Schools Magnet Applications Accepted

*in district school assignments sent out April 16th

*out-of-district school assignments sent out April 30th

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Buncombe County Schools Kindergarten Enrollment Dates

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Monday March 8, 2021:

Deadline for applications to Artspace Charter School

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Tuesday, March 31st, 2021:

Deadline for applications to Evergreen, Invest Collegiate Imagine, and Francine Delany Charter Schools

**Various dates for BCS and ACS registration and orientation can be found on their school websites

Asheville Peak Academy- March 1

DOCUMENTS TYPICALLY NEEDED FOR REGISTRATION

(Every program is different – ask your child’s school what documents you will need)

Parent/legal guardian photo ID
Copy of child’s certified birth certificate (if available)
Proof of guardianship
Copy of up-to-date immunization records
Health assessment
Two proofs of residency
Copy of IEP (if applicable)

QUESTIONS TO ASK

Is there a time I can visit the school (with or without my child)? Can I see the kindergarten classrooms, the outdoor spaces, and other areas my child will spend time in?
What is the typical daily schedule?
How much outdoor time will my child have each day?
What enrichment activities are offered during the day?
What are my after school options?
Will my child be able to ride the bus to and from school?
What kind of lunch and breakfast choices are available?
Are there any additional things I should do to prepare my child for kindergarten?

SCHOOL CHOICES

If your child will be 5 by August 31, 2021, you may enroll him/her in kindergarten! Here are some of the choices that are available to you and your family:

Public – Families may apply to a variety of free public schools depending on where they live. To find out what school district you are in visit: https://gis.buncombecounty.org/schools/

Asheville City Schools – Magnet schools that offer a special area of focus along with the standard curriculum (like art or ecology). First choice is given to families living in the Asheville City School district.
County Schools – Children living in the Buncombe County school district will be assigned to a school (though you can still apply to a magnet, charter, or private school).

Charter– Free public schools with an independent curriculum. Available to children living in the state of North Carolina. Enrollment is usually based on a lottery of all applicants.

Artspace Charter School

Evergreen Community Charter School

Francine Delany New School for Children

Invest Collegiate Imagine Charter School

The Franklin School of Innovation

Private

Tuition-based schools.

https://www.privateschoolreview.com/north-carolina/asheville/elementary

Asheville Peak Academy– Deadline to apply March 1