Early Entrance for Kindergarten (EEK)

Washington state and North Kitsap School District legally require that students entering kindergarten in the fall must have turned five (5) years of age on or before August 31 of the enrollment year. A child whose fifth birthday falls on or between September 1 and October 31 may enter kindergarten if they meet rigorous entrance-screening requirements. These are rare exceptions. To assure that your child will be more likely to have a great first year of school, they will be expected to meet standards at least six months above their age in all areas assessed.

"Readiness” is exhibited socially, emotionally, physically and academically. These pieces are equally important for parents to understand when deciding to have their child evaluated for EEK. Parents should take these factors into consideration as the potential risk of frustration, embarrassment, and sense of failure is substantially increased for these youngest students throughout their school years.

Since the development of self-esteem is an important goal for all students, setting them up to be successful should be of foremost concern. Research findings point out that, on a national level, the youngest students in any classroom perform at lower levels in almost all areas compared to their classmates.

Guidance on Kindergarten Readiness is available from our state organization,

Please Note: It is highly advised you retain your preschool or daycare plan for school year 2023-24 until you receive your final notification of eligibility.

Step 1: Screening evaluation for all applicants

All applicants will be evaluated using an online social emotional and developmental skills inventory. This process helps us determine if a child has the developmental skills necessary to be successful in a kindergarten classroom. The online screening form will be completed by both the family and their preschool teacher, caregiver or other non-family adult.

Outcomes of the Developmental Screener

A multi-disciplinary committee will review each student’s screening application, after which a very small number of students will be asked to do an in-person school-based evaluation. Results will be sent to parents by email approximately a week after the evaluation. If there is no email address, results will be sent by the US Postal Service. The notification will have one of the following possible outcomes:

• The student did not demonstrate the needed readiness skills and is not eligible for early entrance into kindergarten; or
• The student did demonstrate the needed readiness skills and is eligible for an in-person school-based observation.

There are no appeals of the screening evaluation results.

Step 2: In-Person Evaluation

This small group receiving in-person evaluations will be assessed by kindergarten teachers and other school professionals observing how each child interacts socially and emotionally in a classroom environment. The team will also complete a basic check of each child’s academic readiness skills, language, and motor skills at this time.

If your child moves on to in-person evaluation, there will be a processing fee of $200.00, plus transaction fee, collected at the time of the in-person evaluation. For families that qualify for reduced fee based on family income, the processing fee is reduced to $25.00.

* Please note: All fees are non refundable and non transferable.

Outcomes of In-Person Evaluation

Results will be sent to parents approximately 7-10 days after the evaluation. The Multidisciplinary Selection Committee will identify the most highly qualified applicants. The notification will have one of the following possible outcomes:

• The student did not demonstrate the needed readiness skills and is not eligible for early entrance into kindergarten, or

• The student did demonstrate the needed readiness skills and will be recommended for a four-week trial period in kindergarten, beginning at the start of the school year. Determination of continuation in kindergarten is based on evidence and is at the discretion of the school principal.

Families of students found eligible for early entrance to kindergarten must complete the regular registration process through Admissions in June to ensure the student’s enrollment in a kindergarten classroom for the upcoming September.

Step 1 : Complete the online Application, which opens when general Kindergarten Enrollment opens for the District.

Step 2 : Submit Application by Deadline: April 30.

An e-mail confirming the receipt of your application will be sent only to those whose applications are complete and on-time.

There is no appealing the initial screening decision. If your student moves on to in-person evaluation and does not meet the Early Entrance requirements, you may appeal the decision to the Multidisciplinary Selection Committee. First, submit a letter informing us of your intention to appeal. Then, compile compelling, written evidence of your child’s academic skills, language development, physical coordination, and social maturity.