Bainbridge Island School District

Enrollment

Kindergarten

Enroll Your Student →

Quick Facts

Age requirement
5 years old by August 31

Schedule
Full day, no tuition

Class size goal
20 or fewer students

Specialists
PE, music, art & STEM Lab every week

Welcome to Kindergarten

A Wonderful Milestone

Your child is about to begin an exciting new chapter, and BISD is proud to be part of it. Kindergarten sets the foundation for your child’s school career and puts them on a lifelong path of learning.

Kindergarten is a time of great discovery, excitement and growth, and it’s also a big transition for children and families alike. When your child enrolls in kindergarten at BISD, they’ll receive a high-quality education and gain a team of staff whose main goal is to help them succeed intellectually, socially and emotionally.

Kindergarten is a time of close partnership between school and home. We encourage families to get involved, so look for opportunities to volunteer in the classroom and at school.

The Program

Core Instruction

Taught by your child’s classroom teacher

Reading
Writing
Math
Science
Social studies
Health
Social skills

Weekly Specialists

Taught by content specialist teachers

Physical education
Music
Art
STEM Lab: hands-on exploration of science and engineering concepts

The Whole Child Approach

Our schools support each child’s development and encourage them to explore and build a wide range of skills. Our staff is committed to providing an excellent academic program in an engaging, supportive environment. BISD also offers services to support different learning needs, including academic support, special education services and a highly capable program.

Full-day kindergarten is free. The state of Washington funds full-day kindergarten for all children who are five years old by August 31. There is no tuition.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the birthday cutoff for kindergarten?

Children must be five years old by August 31.

What is the kindergarten schedule?

Except for the first three days of the school year, kindergartners follow the same school calendar and schedule as other elementary students.

What happens on the first three days of school?

The first three days of school are different to help kindergartners get ready to learn. Instead of a regular school day, kindergartners and their families take part in kindergarten readiness activities and a get-to-know-you conference.

How many students are in a kindergarten classroom?

Our goal is 20 or fewer students in each kindergarten classroom. This may vary slightly depending on enrollment.

How are kindergarten classrooms staffed?

Each kindergarten classroom has one certificated classroom teacher, supported by instructional specialists, the school counselor and the school’s kindergarten teaching team.

Are there special arrangements for transportation or meals?

Kindergartners ride their school’s regular bus routes and are part of the regular food service plan. Staff greet kindergartners when they arrive by bus and walk them to their buses at dismissal.

Students with food allergies and dietary restrictions are closely monitored by staff.