5112 - ENTRANCE AGE
The Board shall establish student entrance age requirements which are consistent with Wisconsin Law and sound educational practice and which ensure equitable treatment.
- Kindergarten
A child is eligible for entrance into four (4) year old kindergarten if the child attains the age of four (4) on or before September 1st of the school year in which the child is being enrolled and meets the residency requirements.
A child is eligible for five (5) year old kindergarten when the child attains the age of five (5) on or before September 1st of the school year in which the child is being enrolled and meets the residency requirements. The child may not be placed in an alternative program without the permission of the parent. - First Grade
A child must be six (6) years of age on or before September 1st in the school year in which the student enrolls. The student must also have completed a five (5) year old kindergarten program or received a waiver of this requirement.
Any student who has not completed a five (5) year old kindergarten program but seeks to enroll in first grade must receive a waiver of the requirement. The following students are eligible to receive a waiver:
- Any student who has moved to the District from another state or country where completion of a five (5) year old kindergarten program is a prerequisite to enrollment in first grade and that student has received a waiver of the requirement in the prior state or country.
- Any student who has moved to the District from another state or country that does not require the completion of five (5) year old kindergarten prior to enrollment in first grade.
- Any student who, at the discretion of the Principal and in consultation with the first-grade teacher(s) of the District, determines that, notwithstanding that the student has not completed a five (5) year old kindergarten program, the student has demonstrated sufficient aptitude in all core competencies normally required of kindergarten students in the District upon completion of the kindergarten program. The Principal shall perform any required testing to establish the student’s academic capabilities and shall prepare a written evaluation that either grants or denies the waiver and provides an explanation as to the decision.
- Appeal of Denial of Waiver
The parents of any student denied a waiver under this section by the Principal may appeal that decision to the Superintendent by submitting a written request to the Superintendent within ten (10) calendar days of the decision of the Principal.
The decision of the Superintendent is final. - Initial Entry
Children entering the District for the first time must comply with State law. Students must have an immunization record or a properly submitted waiver on file at the school. Any student who does not have the proper immunization records or appropriate waiver within thirty (30) school days of enrollment shall be excluded or permitted to remain in school pursuant to Policy 5320 - Immunization.
Any student, and/or the student's parent(s), who enters the District for the first time must disclose prior or pending school expulsions at the time of enrollment. - Verification of Residence
Verification of a parent's residence shall be required at the time the child registers in a District school. Verification of residence may also be required at any other time at the discretion of the Superintendent. - Verification of Age
Verification of a child's age shall be required at the time the child enrolls. - Early Admission
The District shall prescribe procedures, conditions, and standards for early admission to five (5) year old kindergarten and first grade. The District does not allow early entrance to four (4) year old kindergarten.
PROCEDURES FOR EARLY ADMISSION: (LIMITED TO) FIVE (5) YEAR-OLD KINDERGARTEN AND FIRST GRADE
- Application shall be made by the parent to the Elementary Principal on or before May 1st of the year of entrance. This cutoff date shall not apply for a student who moves to the District during the school year and who has already been admitted for early entrance from the previous school district.
- An interview with the parent(s)/guardian(s) shall be held by the Elementary Principal to determine the parents’ reasons for requesting entrance prior to the legal age. The parent/guardian or a caregiver of the child will assess the student using a self-help/social profile.
- Following the interview with the parent(s)/guardian(s), it will be decided by the District whether the student will be assessed with a formal evaluation by the District Standards for early admission to five (5) year old kindergarten or first grade may not discriminate against students on the basis of disability or handicap. The evaluation shall be at no cost to the parent(s)/guardian(s).
- Observation of the student in a school-like setting by at least two (2) separate educators (psychologist, gifted and talented coordinator, teacher, administrator, etc.) will take place over a period of days. A school-like setting could be the daycare center or summer school for pre-kindergarten.
- After the evaluation (in 3. and 4.) above has been completed, a conference shall be held with the parents to consider the appropriateness of early entrance into five (5) year old kindergarten or first grade.
- The student will be superior in the full range of abilities in all developmental areas including social, emotional, physical, mental maturity, and pre-academics.
- The Superintendent has the final authority for deciding whether or not the student is to be admitted to five (5) year old kindergarten or first grade in accordance with conditions and standards. The Superintendent will be informed by staff in District as to the preferred recommendation for the student regarding any early education admission.
- Older Students
A person who is a resident of the District and over twenty (20) years of age may enroll provided the Superintendent does not think such enrollment will interfere with the education of the other students.
Revised 5/20/19
Revised 12/18/19
Revised 11/15/21
Revised 10/20/25
© Neola 2025