- Meridian Elementary
- Kindergarten
-
At Meridian Elementary we are excited to offer our students and families the option of Accelerated classroom learning experiences, K-6. This is an opportunity for students with strong academic abilities and a love of learning to be challenged within a supportive learning environment.
Enroll Today at Meridian Elementary!
Accelerated Kindergarten
-
What is Accelerated?
Accelerated refers specifically to K-6 Accelerated classrooms. All subjects are taught at grade level at an accelerated rate with skills and concepts and a variety of approved materials that enrich the learning experience. Accelerated is designed to provide a challenging and supportive learning environment for students with strong academic abilities and motivation to learn. Placement in Accelerated is based on parent and student requests and teacher recommendations.
-
What is Accelerated Kindergarten?
- Students dictate the pace of learning based on their knowledge before entering kindergarten and how quickly they master the concepts being taught.
- Students receive support from experienced, qualified, highly trained teachers and staff.
- Students gain opportunities to explore concepts and ideas in depth.
- Regular communication and partnership opportunities with parents to support student learning.
- Students start independent reading earlier than in a typical kindergarten class.
- Students experience opportunities for in-depth conversations about nonfiction topics being studied in the classroom.
- Teacher plans can be tailored to student's interests while adhering to state standards.
- The District offers accelerated learning and gifted pathways in Grades 1-12.
Accelerated Kindergarten is offered as an option at Meridian Elementary!
Kindergarten Events
-
-
At Meridian Elementary we offer conventional and accelerated classrooms, Kindergarten - 6th grade.
-
-
Kinder Open House
Meridian Elementary is hosting a Kindergarten Open House for incoming and prospective families on Thursday, February 8th, or Tuesday, April 23rd at 3:30 pm. Families can gather information about curriculum/reading goals/how parents can support them at home or over the summer.
They can meet Kindergarten teachers, tour the school and learn what it's like to be a kindergartner at Meridian Elementary.
-
We are excited to welcome your kindergartner to Meridian Elementary! To learn more about our school please take a look around our website and if you would like, please schedule a tour.
Kindergarten Events Happening Now & You're Invited!
-
All 26 elementary schools are hosting Kindergarten events to welcome new families and students onto our campuses, where you can meet the teachers, tour the school, and prepare for Kinder! Learn more about your local elementary and all of the different options available to you and your family throughout our district.
To find your local school, visit gilbertschools.net/boundaries
To learn about all the Kindergarten choices in our district click on the links below:
- 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
To find out the dates of Kindergarten events, please visit the school website.
Kindergarten FAQs
Kindergarten Readiness Events for Families
-
- 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.
-
网曝门 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
- 网曝门 Schools Special Education Kindergarten programs provide quality early education for children with special needs.
-
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
-
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
-
Kindergarten Enrollment Steps & Information
To enroll a student in your local neighborhood 网曝门 School for the upcoming school year, please follow these instructions to complete online enrollment.
网曝门 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.
-
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.