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.
- Four-Year-Old Kindergarten
A child is eligible for entrance into four (4) year-old kindergarten if s/he attains the age of four (4) on or before September 1st of the year in which s/he applies for entrance and meets the residency requirements. Students who complete Four-Year-Old Kindergarten may not repeat the following school year.
Families may use their discretion to enroll their five (5) year old in the Four-Year-Old kindergarten program for one (1) year prior to entering Five-Year-Old Kindergarten.
- Five-Year-Old Kindergarten
A child is eligible for five (5) year-old kindergarten when s/he attains the age of five (5) on or before September 1st of the year in which s/he applies for entrance and meets the residency requirements. The child may not be placed in an alternative program without the permission of the parent.
Students who complete Five-Year-Old Kindergarten may not repeat the following school year. - First Grade
A child must be six (6) years of age on or before September 1st in the year in which s/he enrolls. A student must have completed a kindergarten program or must receive a waiver of this requirement.
Any student who has not completed a five (5) year-old kindergarten program, but seeks to enroll into 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 his or her 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 building principal, 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 explanation as to the decision.
Appeal of Denial of Waiver
The parents of any student denied a waiver under this section by the building principal may appeal that decision to the District Administrator by submitting a written request to the Administrator within ten (10) days of the decision of the principal.
The parents of any student denied a waiver by the District Administrator may appeal the decision to the Board by submitting a written request to the District Administrator within ten (10) days of the decision by the Administrator.
The District Administrator shall notify the Board President and a meeting shall be scheduled with the parents. The decision of the Board is final.
- Initial Entry
Children entering the District for the first time must comply with State law. Students must have an immunization record on file at the school. Any student who does not have the proper immunization shall be excluded or permitted to remain in school pursuant to Policy 5320.
Each child who is entitled to admittance into a public school in the District must have a school-entry health examination. The school health services plan shall contain provisions to assist students in obtaining the health examinations.
A child may be exempt from the required health examination and/or immunization upon written request of the parent of such child stating the objection to examination and/or immunization on religious grounds, personal conviction, or for medical reasons certified by a competent medical authority.
Any student and/or his/her parent(s) who enters the District for the first time must disclose the following information at the time of enrollment:
- prior school expulsions;
- arrests resulting in a charge;
- juvenile justice actions; and
- referrals to mental health services.
Any student who discloses any of the above-referenced matters is subject to the provisions of the Code of Student Conduct, Policy 5500, and Policy 5610 relating to disciplinary placement and/or assignment of students.
- 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 District Administrator. - Notice of In Loco Parentis
In cases in which a student is temporarily not residing with his/her parents for a short period of time, the parent of the student shall designate in writing that adult person with whom the student resides who stands in loco parentis to the student in order for him/her to be admitted or continue in school. This statement shall be notarized and presented to the principal. - Appeal of Denial of Waiver
The parents of any student denied a waiver under this section by the building principal may appeal that decision to the District Administrator by submitting a written request to the District Administrator within ten (10) calendar days of the decision of the principal.
The decision of the District Administrator is final. - Early Admission
The District shall prescribe procedures, conditions, and standards for early admission to four (4) year old kindergarten, five (5) year old kindergarten, and first grade. - Older Students
A person who is a resident of the District and over twenty (20) years of age may enroll providing the District Administrator does not think his/her enrollment will interfere with the education of the other students.
Revised 4/25/11
Revised 12/16/19
Revised 4/14/21
© Neola 2020