Kindergarten
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- Kindergarten
- Kindergarten Curriculum
- Kindergarten FAQs
- Half-day Kindergarten at Burk Elementary
- Spanish Dual Language Kindergarten at Gilbert Elementary
- Accelerated K¨C6 Option at Highland Park Elementary
- Accelerated K¨C6 Option at Quartz Hill Elementary
- Accelerated K-6 Option at Meridian Elementary
- Accelerated K-6 Option at Playa del Rey Elementary
- Accelerated K-6 Option at Val Vista Lakes Elementary
- ÍøÆØÃÅ Schools
- Kindergarten
Kindergarten Events - You Are Invited
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School Kindergarten Events in April and May
During April and May all of our elementary schools will be having Kindergarten events to prepare for the new school year, and you are invited. This is a great opportunity to meet our Kindergarten teachers, to visit our campuses, and to ask any questions you may have. You can also schedule a tour by visiting any of our school websites. For details of all upcoming Kindergarten events see below.
It is our priority to meet the unique needs of our students in partnership with parents and families. That really kicks off during these events where you have the opportunity to meet our teams and ask questions as well as get acquainted with the campus.
Kindergarten in ÍøÆØÃÅ Schools offers students an accredited curriculum created to inspire learning. Teachers are highly qualified. There are many additional support services available at our school. Students learn alongside their peers as well as working individually, and enjoy art, music, PE, and more.
Above all else we want you to know that we care deeply about your child, and we are dedicated to ensuring that this year is a positive experience that will inspire them as learners for years to come.
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ÍøÆØÃÅ Schools Kindergarten Program Highlights
We are excited to welcome our Kindergarten students and their families! Please read on for helpful information and resources.
We offer tuition-free, full-day Kindergarten programs at all of our 26 elementary schools, half-day morning Kindergarten at Burk, Accelerated Kindergarten at Highland Park, Meridian, Playa del Rey, Quartz Hill, and Val Vista Lakes, Dual-Language Spanish Kindergarten at Gilbert Elementary, and Traditional Kindergarten at Canyon Rim, Neely Traditional, and Spectrum.
All GPS Kindergarten students enjoy a challenging and comprehensive curriculum designed to provide the individualized attention they need to thrive while developing a lifelong love for learning.
- Rigorous instruction in core academic areas that address the Arizona state standards in reading, writing, math, science, and social studies
- Rich opportunities that promote positive social skills and character development within a structured learning environment
- Recognized educational excellence and consistency in achieving high scores on statewide assessments
- Well-defined and tailored curriculum with high-quality academic programs and extra-curricular activities to meet your student’s needs and strengths, including music, artistic expression, and physical education for the enrichment of the whole child
- ÍøÆØÃÅ Schools Special Education Kindergarten programs provide quality early education for children with special needs.
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We offer tuition-free, full-day Kindergarten programs at all of our 26 elementary schools, half-day morning Kindergarten at Burk, Accelerated Kindergarten at Highland Park, Meridian, Playa del Rey, Quartz Hill, and Val Vista Lakes, Dual-Language Spanish Kindergarten at Gilbert Elementary, and Traditional Kindergarten at Canyon Rim, Neely Traditional, and Spectrum.
- Dual Language Spanish Kindergarten option at Gilbert Elementary
- Half-day (morning) Kindergarten option at Burk Elementary
- Five Accelerated Kindergarten options at Highland Park Elementary, Meridian Elementary, Playa del Rey Elementary, Quartz Hill Elementary, and Val Vista Elementary.
- Three Traditional Academies (K–6) options including Neely Traditional Academy, Canyon Rim Elementary, & Spectrum Elementary
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Please visit the school website for more details:
Ashland Ranch Kindergarten Kickoff | April 2 @ 5pm
Augusta Ranch Kindergarten Preview | May 1st @ 2:30pm
Boulder Creek Kindergarten Preview | April 30th @ 3:30pm
Carol Rae Ranch Kindergarten Preview | May 2nd @ 3:30pm
Finley Farms Kindergarten Round-Up | April 24th @ 5:30pm
Gilbert Elementary Kindergarten Info Night | April 24th @ 2:30pm
Greenfield Elementary Kindergarten Preview Night | April 2nd @ 5:00pm
Harris Kindergarten Preview | January 16th @1:00pm - 3:00pm
Highland Park Kindergarten Preview | April 4th @ 4:30pm
Islands Kinder Round-Up | April 10th @ 5:30pm
Meridian Kindergarten Open House | April 23rd @ 3:30pm
Mesquite Elementary Kindergarten Preview Night | April 11th @ 4:00pm
Oak Tree Kindergarten Showcase | April 24th @ 5:00pm
Patterson Kindergarten Meet N' Greet | April 3rd @ 4:00 pm
Pioneer Kindergarten Reading Night | April 10th @ 4:30pm - 5:30pm
Playa del Rey Kinder Kick-off | April 25th @ 5:00pm
Quartz Hill "Passport to Kinder" | April 12th @ 3:30pm
Settler's Kindergarten Kickoff | April 11th @ 5:30pm
Sonoma Ranch Kindergarten Preview Night | March 25th @ 5:00pm
Spectrum Kinder Roundup | May 2nd @ 3:15pm
Superstition Springs Kindergarten Roundup | April 2nd @ 3:00pm
Towne Meadows Kindergarten Preview | April 17thj @ 3:30pm
Val Vista Lakes Kindergarten Preview | April 17th @ 2:15pm
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Kindergarten Enrollment Steps & Information
To enroll a student in your local neighborhood ÍøÆØÃÅ School for the upcoming school year, please follow these instructions to complete online enrollment.
ÍøÆØÃÅ Schools is an open enrollment district, therefore if you are interested in having your child attend Kindergarten at a school that is not your neighborhood school it is easy to apply through our online open enrollment. If you are not sure which school is your neighborhood school, please view the GPS school boundaries.
Visit our Online Enrollment Information Center to learn more and enroll today!
Kindergarten Age Guidelines
To register for kindergarten for the upcoming school year, children must turn 5-years-old prior to September 1st. Children who turn 5-years-old between September 1st and December 31st may be assessed kindergarten readiness through an early entrance screening to determine qualification for early entrance into kindergarten. Special Education kindergarten transition is available for special needs students.
Kindergarten Immunization Requirements
Arizona Law requires that students entering Kindergarten have the following vaccines:
- 5 doses of DTap, DTP, or DT
- 4 doses of Polio (IPV)
- 3 doses Hepatitis B
- 2 doses MMR
- 1 dose Varicella* (*2 doses recommended by the CDC for full protection)
Where to Get Vaccinated:
If your insurance covers immunizations:
- Visit your healthcare provider
If you don’t have insurance, your insurance doesn’t cover vaccines, are on AHCCCS, are
Native American or Alaska Native:Visit our Health Services information for more information on immunizations.
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Kindergarten Early Entrance Screening Information
Early Entrance Screenings will take place in June before the school year of registration, and be completed before the first day of school. Early Entrance Screening will not be available once school has begun.
Online Early Entrance Screening Registration Instructions:
- All screening registrations must be . Registration opens for the 2024/25 school year in May.
- A non-refundable $90.00 fee will be collected at the time of registration and may be paid using Visa, MasterCard, American Express, or Discover Card. Once registration is completed, a confirmation will be sent via email indicating the date, appointment time, and location for your child’s screening. .
- Screening sessions are subject to cancelation if minimum enrollment is not met.
- Registering online for screening does not in any way guarantee enrollment into kindergarten.
- Face coverings are optional.
- Only one adult may accompany each child registered for a screening. No other children are allowed at this time.
Screening Registration is completed online via Community Education's online system, Eleyo:
Questions about registration or payment?
Call the Community Education Department at 480-892-9089 prior to kindergarten screening registration, during business hours.Questions about details concerning the screening or the process?
Call the Curriculum Department prior to kindergarten screening registration or your appointment at 480-497-3470 during regular business hours.
Ways to Learn About Kindergarten Options
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All GPS elementary schools host Kindergarten tours throughout the year, and information events to welcome new families and students onto our campuses. Check school calendars for events.
To find the school nearest you, visit gilbertschools.net/boundaries
To learn about all the Kindergarten choices in our district click on the links below:
- Full Day Kinder at all elementary schools
- 1/2 Day Kinder at Burk Elementary
- Spanish Dual Language Kinder at Gilbert Elementary
- Traditional Kinder at Canyon Rim, Neely Traditional Academy, and Spectrum
- Accelerated Kinder at Highland Park, Playa del Rey, Meridian, Quartz Hill, and Val Vista Lakes
Kindergarten Readiness Events for Families
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- Schedule a School Tour - Please take the opportunity to schedule a tour at any of our elementary schools to learn more about their Kindergarten offerings, meet the Principal and teachers, and tour the campus.
- Kindergarten Information Nights - Visit school websites to learn about upcoming Kindergarten Information Nights and Events.