Kindergarten

Worthington Schools is excited to welcome the class of 2038 to kindergarten in August 2025! Kindergarten registration for the 2025-2026 school year will open on Monday, January 6, 2025. All students who will turn 5 by September 30, 2025 are eligible for enrollment.

For more information regarding the enrollment process and kindergarten-specific questions, please visit the Frequently Asked Questions.

No-cost All-Day Kindergarten - Coming in the 2025-26 School Year!

Worthington Schools is thrilled to announce the launch of universal, no-cost, all-day kindergarten beginning with the 2025-26 school year! This exciting initiative ensures that every child in our district will have access to a full day of high-quality kindergarten education at no expense to families.

The Worthington Board of Education recently approved the transition to an all-day kindergarten model across all elementary schools. By moving away from our previous tuition-based system, we are eliminating barriers to access and providing equitable opportunities for all students to benefit from an all-day program.

All-day kindergarten offers significant advantages for young learners. With increased instructional time, students can develop stronger foundational skills in core content areas like literacy and math, while also engaging in enriching activities that build social and emotional skills. The extended schedule allows time for individualized support, intervention, and purposeful play, both in the classroom and on the playground.

At Worthington Schools, we are committed to educating the whole child—academically, socially, and emotionally. By providing a well-rounded experience, all-day kindergarten ensures students are better prepared for lifelong success.

For more details about Worthington's All-Day Kindergarten, check out Superintendent Dr. Bowers' blog or watch a presentation about kindergarten from a recent board meeting.

Kindergarten FAQ

How old does my child have to be to start kindergarten?

How long is the kindergarten school day and what does kindergarten programming consist of?

The school day is 6 hours and 40 minutes long, and you can visit each school's website for exact times.

During the school day, kindergarten students will engage in core content learning across Math, English Language Arts, Science, and Social Studies. They will also participate daily in a Related Arts class, rotating through Music, Art, Wellness, and Library Media, ensuring a well-rounded educational experience.

Additionally, students will enjoy lunch and recess, providing time for social interaction and play. As the school year approaches, families will have opportunities to learn more about the kindergarten program and what to expect at their child’s school from their child’s school.

How do I know if my child is ready for kindergarten?

Each child is unique and your own child’s development should be taken into consideration when making the decision to start kindergarten or waiting to begin. Kindergarten readiness is about ensuring children are prepared socially, emotionally, and academically to thrive in a school environment. Key indicators of readiness include the ability to follow simple instructions, express needs and feelings, and engage positively with peers and adults.

Foundational skills, such as the ability to hold a pencil and use scissors, support a smooth transition into classroom learning. Equally important are traits like curiosity, self-regulation, and adaptability, which help children navigate new experiences. Families can foster readiness by encouraging exploration, reading together, establishing routines, and promoting independence in daily tasks. Kindergarten readiness lays the groundwork for a successful start to school and a lifelong love of learning.

The following resources may be helpful in gaining a better understanding of key skills that are developmentally appropriate for a successful kindergarten experience.

Getting Ready for Kindergarten

Kindergarten Readiness FAQ

How do I enroll my child in kindergarten at Worthington Schools?

You must enroll your child online to attend Worthington Schools.

Please ensure that all of your documents are saved on your laptop or computer for a smoother enrollment process, and it is recommended that you do not use your phone for this process. The Welcome Center will email you if anything is missing. Failure to upload a document will hold up your child’s enrollment.

Go To The Enrollment Page

If you have any questions during the process, please contact Tammy Perito at tperito@wscloud.org.

Am I guaranteed a spot at my home school?

Is transportation provided for kindergarten students?

Transportation will be provided for all-day kindergarten students who live on established school bus routes and who are not open-enrolled.

All kindergarten students must be accompanied at the bus stop by a parent, guardian, or other family-designated adult. Parents or guardians are required to meet kindergarten students at the bus stop when students are dropped off.

Get more information on the Transportation Department Page.

Are meals available for kindergarten students?

Is my family eligible for free or reduced meal pricing?

When will I learn more about kindergarten at my child’s school?

If my child attends Sutter Park Preschool, do I need to enroll for kindergarten?

What is early entrance to kindergarten?

Early admission, also known as early entrance, allows a school district to assess a child who is not yet old enough for kindergarten or first grade and admit them early if they demonstrate the ability to succeed at that grade level. Very few children meet the criteria for early entrance to kindergarten.

If you wish for your child to be considered for early entrance at the start of school, referrals must be received at least 60 days prior to the start of the school year.

The following resources are available regarding early entrance: