Kindergarten Enrollment
Kindergarten Enrollment Process
Kindergarten enrollment opens on March 3, 2025. Please enroll your kindergartner in their neighborhood boundary school.
Four Steps To Registration
1. Complete the enrollment packet in print or register online.
The print packet can be picked up at any school (when schools are open/in session) or at the central administration building, 104 N 4th Avenue.
2. Submit proof of address
A utility bill within one month (cable, internet, water/sewer/garbage, lease agreement, gas, power).
3. Provide age documentation
Birth certificate or hospital/physician certificate.
4. Submit immunization records
A doctor's office prints a medically verified immunization record.
Kinder Academy Information
Dear Parents and Guardians of Incoming Kinders,
We are excited to welcome your child to our kindergarten program at the Yakima School District! The success of your child is important to us, and one way to ensure a positive and successful experience for them is the early and ongoing involvement of our parents/guardians in the educational process.
The following information is important for you to know so you can talk to your child and help them understand what their first few days of kindergarten will be like. This reduces anxiety and helps them to be assured that they will be well taken care of at school.
Kinder Family Conference
August 27 & 28 from 8:15 AM - 3:15 PM
At Your Child’s School
There will be a family event at each elementary school in August where you will be able to visit the classroom, meet the teacher, staff and admin and get to know other families. During this time, you will schedule a one-on-one meeting with the teacher for the Kinder Family Conference.
The Kinder Family Conference is a special time of preparation for your child to see and become familiar with the school, meet the teachers and staff, and answer any questions you may have about kindergarten.
Kinder Academy
August 29 & September 2
At Your Child’s School
Kinder Academy is a special time of preparation for your child to see and become familiar with the school, meet the teachers and staff, and participate in a Common Assessment Screener to guide us in the best classroom placement for your child. Transportation is not I provided.
First rotation: 9:00 AM - 11:15 AM
● 9:00-9:15: Snack
● 9:15-10:15: Activities
● 10:15-10:30: Recess
● 10:30-11:00: End of Day Expectations
● 11:00-11:15: Pick up
Second rotation: 12:45 PM-3:00 PM
● 12:45-1:00: Snack
● 1:00-2:00: Activities
● 2:00-2:15: Recess
● 2:15-2:45: End of Day Expectations
● 2:45-3:00: Pick up
WIDA Assessment Screener Appointments
At Your Child’s School
If you indicated that there is a language other than English spoken at home (per the home language survey) then you will also meet with the English Language Development teacher and staff to test your child on the World-class Instructional Design and Assessment (WIDA) screener.
Appointment With the Teacher
August 27 & 28 Morning & afternoon
At your child’s school
At your appointment, you will meet with your child’s teacher to receive information about school laptops and the WaKids Assessment Screener.
First Day of School for Kindergarten
Wednesday, September 3 at 8:45 AM (full day)
We hope this information is helpful to you in preparing your child for their kindergarten experience.
If you have questions, please contact your child’s school.
Sincerely,
Your Kindergarten Team
FAQs
Question: What are the documents needed for enrollment?
Answer: Requirements to accompany enrollment packet include birth certificate, medically verified immunizations, and current utility bill within one month span.
Question: How can I confirm my child's boundary school?
Answer: If you have a question about your child's boundary school, please contact Student Enrollment at (509) 573-7021.
Question: Where do I deliver my completed enrollment documents?
Answer: Completed enrollment packets must be turned in to their boundary school if school is open/in session. During the summer break, packets may be turned in to Student Enrollment at the central administration building at 104 N 4th Ave.
Question: Where do I get the documents to enroll my child?
Answer: Parents can pick up enrollment packets from any elementary school or Student Enrollment at 104 N 4th Ave.
Question: Can anyone enroll their child?
Answer: Yes, the Yakima School District has open enrollment to out-of-district families as available. All elementary schools except Adams Elementary School have space available in kindergarten classrooms. Please note that kindergarten classrooms will be filled based on availability. Dual language classrooms is offered at nine of our elementary schools based on availability.
Question: What if my child has a sibling that is also in a Yakima School District elementary school?
Answer: Kindergarten students can be placed at the same elementary school as their sibling, as long as the sibling will still be enrolled there next year. If the sibling is in 5th grade, they will move on to middle school, so the match does not apply.
Question: When does the sibling rule not apply?
Answer: If a student attends a particular school for the program(Special Services), the sibling rule does not apply.
Question: How old does my child need to be to enter kindergarten?
Students eligible to enroll in kindergarten are five years old by August 31. If their birth date misses the deadline by just ten days, please contact the early learning office at 509-573-5988 by June 30 of the prior year for testing options.
Question: Where can my child be enrolled for kindergarten?
Answer: Students must enroll in their boundary school.