2026-2027 Kindergarten Registration FAQ

GENERAL QUESTIONS ABOUT ATTENDING KINDERGARTEN:

Who is eligible to attend kindergarten for the 2026–2027 school year?

Per School Committee policy, children who turn five years old on or before August 31, 2026 are eligible to enroll in kindergarten.

What if my child was eligible last year but did not attend kindergarten?

If your child was eligible for kindergarten in the 2025–2026 school year but did not enroll, they may still enroll for 2026–2027. If your child turns six by August 31, 2026, they may be eligible to begin first grade.

Does Reading Public Schools offer full-day kindergarten?

Yes. Reading Public Schools offers full-day kindergarten at all five elementary schools: Barrows, Birch Meadow, Joshua Eaton, Killam, and Wood End.

In the past, when tuition was charged, both half-day and full-day programs were offered. With the elimination of tuition, a half-day program is no longer available.

Is there tuition for the Reading Public Schools kindergarten program?

No. Reading Public Schools does not charge a kindergarten tuition fee.

If I am unsure that my student is ready for kindergarten, who can I speak with?

If you are unsure whether your student is ready for kindergarten, we encourage you to contact the district to identify your prospective building principal and discuss considerations for waiting an additional year. Families are encouraged to complete registration even if they are unsure, as registrations can be withdrawn later if you decide not to move forward with enrollment.

Registration Timeline & Deadlines

When does online kindergarten registration open?

Online registration will open immediately following the Virtual Kindergarten Q&A Session on January 7. Please access the online registration through this link.

Is there a registration deadline?

Registration is rolling; however, there is a February 4 priority registration deadline to ensure your student is placed in their neighborhood school.

Required Documentation

What documents do I need to complete registration?

To complete registration, families must upload the following documents. Students are not officially enrolled until all documentation is received.

• Proof of birth (birth certificate or passport)
• Proof of guardianship (driver’s license, passport, or state ID)
• Custody agreement (if applicable)
• Proof of residency
  • Homeowners: tax bill or mortgage statement
  • Renters: lease or residency affidavit
• Proof of occupancy (utility bill or similar document dated within the last 30 days)
• Child’s most recent physical exam
• Immunization records
• IEP (if applicable)

Do the required documents, such as the birth certificate, need to be originals?

No. A scanned or photocopied version is acceptable.

If I have other students enrolled in Reading Public Schools, do I still need to submit proof of residency?

Yes. We must receive current proof of residency for each student.

What if I am missing registration items?

Your child is not officially enrolled until all documentation is received. If you are missing items to upload, please email RPSStudentRegistration@reading.k12.ma.us.

School Schedule & Placement

What are the school start and release times?

• Monday–Thursday: 8:15 a.m. – 2:45 p.m.
• Friday: 8:15 a.m. – 12:45 p.m.

What can I expect to receive once I submit the registration packet?

You will receive information from the building principal by March 23, 2026, confirming school placement and transition activities.

Can I request a specific teacher for my child?

Families may submit teacher requests directly to the building principal. While requests are carefully considered, specific teacher placements cannot be guaranteed. Classroom assignments are made to ensure balanced classes and to best support all students.

If my student is placed at Killam, who can I contact with questions about the new building construction?

Families with questions about the new building construction are encouraged to contact Killam Principal Lindsey Fulton at Lindsey.Fulton@reading.k12.ma.us. Student safety remains a top priority, and the school administration is happy to address any questions or concerns.

Extended Day Program

When does Extended Day registration open?

Extended Day registration will open on Monday, February 2, 2026. For program details about the program and registration information, please visit the Extended Day website: https://readingcommunityeducation.myrec.com/info/default.aspx

Current RISE Students

Do current RISE students need to complete the full registration process?

No. Current RISE students are exempt from the full registration process. Instead, families are asked to complete the following two forms:

• Early Childhood Education Experience Survey
• Language Survey

If your student is currently on an IEP and enrolled in the RISE program, what does the transition look like?

Current RISE students with an IEP will have transition meetings this spring. For specific questions related to your student’s transition to kindergarten, please contact RISE Director Alanna Shone at Alanna.Shone@reading.k12.ma.us.

Contact Information

Who should I contact if I need help with registration or have additional questions?

If you need assistance or have questions, please email RPSStudentRegistration@reading.k12.ma.us.