Early Kindergarten/First Grade Entrance

Literature on early entrance to school indicates that some children are ready for a school experience at an earlier age than the common entry age. However, for a larger segment of the student population, starting school too soon can be more damaging, particularly in considering the effects of failure on a young child.

It is the philosophy of Edmonds School District that exceptions to the beginning date not be encouraged; however, a child whose birthday falls between September 1, and October 31, may be eligible for kindergarten enrollment if such a child is sufficiently advanced to succeed in the program.

All early entrance students entering school for the first time must have an Early Entrance Assessment Form completed by a Washington State Certified School Psychologist, or Washington State Licensed Psychologist. Students are required by state statute to be evaluated in areas of mental ability, gross and fine motor skills, visual and auditory discrimination, and social/emotional areas. Private practitioners determine their own fees for this service and prices do vary. Scheduling and paying for evaluations is the resposibilty of the parents. Under the guidelines of SHB 160, fees are waived for "hardship," which is defined by the same criteria used for free-lunch eligibility.

To request a Kindergarten and First-Grade Early Entrance Packet (PDF) or the Additional First-Grade Early Entrance Forms (PDF), please contact Shelley Roehl in the Superintendent's Office at 425-431-7176.

The completed District Early Entrance Assessment form (PDF) should be submitted by the Psychologist to:

Shelley Roehl
Superintendent's Office
Edmonds School District
20420 68th Ave. West
Lynnwood, WA 98036-7400

Evaluation results must be submitted by August 15 for the student to be considered for entry at the beginning of the school year. Students will not be considered for entry after the first day of school. Notification of acceptance status will be given within 10 working days of receipt of the completed Early Entrance Assessment Form.

Students passing the initial screening will be evaluated by the building principal and the child's classroom teacher during a trial of the first 25 days the class is in session. The principal will notify the parents sometime during this trial of the final decision on the child's eligibility for early entrance.

You may also view the complete School Board policy and procedure regarding Early Entrance.

Shelley Roehl
425-431-7176
FAX: 425-431-7182
roehls@edmonds.wednet.edu