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Edmonds School District

Early Entrance Details

Early Entrance – 2023-2024 School Year

Early Entrance into Kindergarten or First Grade

Children who turn 5 (Kindergarten) or 6 (First Grade) years of age between September 1 and December 31, 2023 must meet specific District requirements for early entrance into kindergarten or first grade.

General Information:

  • Parents must submit an application, copy of the child’s proof of birth, and fee to the District office
  • Families who income qualifies them for free and reduce lunch will have their fee waived
  • Early Entrance screening appointments will be emailed to parents 
  • Early Entrance screening will be conducted by District staff (results from private psychologists will not be accepted).
  • Candidates are screened by a District team of Kindergarten teachers and/or school psychologists in a small-group setting
Early Entrance Screening Application     Early Entrance Main Page

General Timeline for Early Entrance Application and Screening 

May 22 by 4 PM - Early Entrance Screening Application Due

May 31 at 6 PM - MANDATORY parent/guardian meeting at Lynndale Elementary, 19030 72nd Avenue West in Lynnwood

June 3 (Saturday) - Early Entrance Screening (parent/caregiver must be in attendance and wait while the assessment is completed).  

Mid July -  Evaluation results emailed to parents

If Approved for Early Entrance

Mid July through August - Enroll child at neighborhood school

August 21 - 24 - Child to attend Kindergarten Jump Start (MANDATORY for Early Entrance) 

September TBD - Attend Family Connection Meeting (appointments set by school)

September TBD - Start school

Important Information for Parents to Consider about Early Entrance

Parents, please note that the early entrance process is designed to provide an opportunity for children who do not meet the August 31 cut-off age as mandated by the state of Washington, but are academically ready and advanced, to enter kindergarten early. These children must also demonstrate advanced characteristics socially, emotionally, and in their thinking schools. All of these factors demonstrate readiness for the elementary classroom environment.

Students who are ready for kindergarten early are advanced in multiple areas when compared to their same-age peers, or other children of the same birth month and year. Many students can demonstrate academic ability based on the exposure provided by parents and daycare settings; however, few children will demonstrate the aptitude or thinking ability needed to enter kindergarten early. When considering early entrance into kindergarten, keep in mind it is a process designed to meet the academic and social needs of the child, not as a replacement for child care. Students accepted into kindergarten early will be placed in a class where peers could be up to two years older. They will also be expected to attend kindergarten for a full day during the 25 school-day evaluation period.

The following factors and questions should be considered when determining if the early entrance process is something you wish to pursue for your child. It’s also very important to note that the evaluation can be exhausting for a four-year old. Please consider the effects of perceived failure on a young child, taking care to praise and provide support if s/he does not pass the evaluation.

Questions to Consider

  • Is my child capable of working successfully with children who are one to two years older?
  • Does my child adapt well to change, or will the adjustment frustrate him/her?
  • What long term impacts will early kindergarten placement have on my child’s long term academic career (e.g. beginning college and high-school a year early)?
  • Does my child ask questions to advance his/her learning?
  • Can my child read, comprehend, and/or make connections to a story? Can my child decode challenging words?
  • Does my child have an understanding of basic math concepts, such as shapes, time, number recognition?
  • Does my child demonstrate leadership with same-age peers?
  • Is my child able to maintain interest for long periods of time?
  • Does my child demonstrate a curiosity about learning new things?
  • Does my child demonstrate strong memory and recall skills?
  • Is my child able to maintain a structured schedule for longer periods of time than same-age peers?

Factors/Characteristics to Consider

My child...

  • Believes he/she can experience success at new tasks
  • Can maintain personal care and hygiene with little assistance from adults (e.g., use the bathroom, tie shoes, button and zip garments)
  • Thoughtfully considers feedback and adjust behavior accordingly
  • Has the ability to focus attention for long periods of instruction
  • Demonstrates fine and large motor skill coordination
  • Can be separated from a parent without being upset
  • Demonstrates strong interpersonal skills with students of his/her own age and older peers
  • Follows routines and schedules
  • Is enthusiastic about elementary school
  • Follows given and multi-step directions