Kindergarten and First Grade Entrance Practices

Kenilworth School District 38 follows Illinois law, which requires that:

• Children must be 5 years old by September 1 to enter kindergarten.
• Children must be 6 years old by September 1 to enter first grade.

All students must be registered for their age-appropriate grade level. If a family would like their child to enter kindergarten or first grade early or to delay entrance to either grade, they must complete a formal request, and a team will determine if a full evaluation is warranted. These requests are carefully reviewed using district procedures. For early entrance, the process assesses whether the child’s academic ability, social-emotional development, and readiness are in the superior range compared to peers. For delayed entrance, the process determines whether waiting a year is the only viable option to meet the child’s needs, recognizing that robust supports are available within the age-appropriate placement.

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can my child start kindergarten or first grade early?
 Yes, if they meet the eligibility criteria outlined in the district’s Early Entrance Procedures. A formal referral must be submitted by April 1 of the year before entry. The decision is based on multiple measures, including developmental, achievement, and ability testing.

2. Can my child delay entering kindergarten or first grade?
 Yes, in rare cases where the evaluation team determines that the child’s needs cannot be met in the age-appropriate placement, even with intervention. A referral must also be submitted by April 1 of the year before entry.

3. Why does the district default to age-appropriate placement?
 Research and district experience show that most students succeed when placed with same-age peers, with their needs met through differentiation and intervention. Delaying entrance does not always address concerns and may simply postpone the need for support.

4. How do I start the process for early or delayed entrance?
 Submit the appropriate D38 Referral Form (Early Entrance or Delayed Entrance) by April 1, and provide proof of residency. Forms are available on the district website.