Principal Update
2026-2027 RISE Preschool Registration
Registration for RISE Preschool will be open January 12th–January 30th, 2026.
To have your child included in the lottery, please be sure to:
- Complete all registration paperwork through the online portal, and
- Submit a $35 deposit made payable to the Town of Reading during this time.
Payments may be dropped off at:
- Reading Public Schools Central Office, or RISE Preschool (both located at 62 Oakland Road, Reading)
The lottery will close at 5:00 PM on January 30th. Families will be notified of the results before February 15.
The online registration portal will open on January 12th!
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RISE students transitioning to Kindergarten
If your student is currently enrolled in the RISE preschool program, you won’t need to complete the full registration process required for new incoming students. Instead, we kindly ask that you complete two forms included with this letter to finalize your enrollment:
Please complete the forms promptly to secure your child’s spot in kindergarten for the 2026-2027 school year. If you decide not to enroll your child in the Reading Public Schools for kindergarten, please email RPSStudentRegistration@reading.k12.ma.us to let us know. By January 1, we will share an informational recording that explains the registration process, offers helpful tips, and provides an overview of the kindergarten program. If you have any questions about the process or your child’s transition, join us for the Virtual Kindergarten Q&A session on January 7, 2026, at 6:00 PM via Zoom.
Scan the QR code on the flyer to join the kindergarten email list. Families will receive the Informational registration video (released by Jan 1.) and the Zoom link for the Virtual Kindergarten Q&A Session Jan. 7!
2026-2027 Kindergarten Registration
Kindergarten Registration for the 2026-2027 school year will open on January 7, 2026! Check out the flyer below to learn more and scan the QR code to join our email listserv to stay informed.
If you have recently moved to the Town of Reading and have a child eligible for kindergarten during the 2025-2026 school year, please use this link to register: https://forms.rediker.com/readingpublicschools.
If you require registration assistance outside of work hours (before 8am or after 4pm) or have questions about registration, please contact Central Office at 781-944-5800 or RPSStudentRegistration@reading.k12.ma.us
Is your child eligible for kindergarten? To enroll in kindergarten for the 2026–2027 school year, your child must turn five by August 31, 2026. If your child was eligible for kindergarten in the 2025–2026 school year but did not enroll, they are still eligible to attend kindergarten in 2026–2027 or, if they have turned six by August 31, 2026, they may be eligible to begin first grade.
Kindergarten Questions and Answers
2026-2027 Kindergarten Registration FAQ
GENERAL QUESTIONS ABOUT ATTENDING KINDERGARTEN:
At what age can my child start kindergarten?
Per school committee policy the ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS FOR KINDERGARTEN AND GRADE ONE are as follows:
To be eligible for admission to the Reading Public Schools a child must have reached the age of five on or before August 31 of the entering year to enter kindergarten or must have reached the age of six on or before August 31 of the entering year to enter grade one. Under no circumstances will children younger than five be admitted.
If we enroll in full-day kindergarten can we later switch to half-day and vice versa?
We believe parents/caregivers know which kindergarten experience will best suit their family and child. We will work with parents/caregivers to make any program adjustments needed.
Is there tuition assistance for kindergarten?
Yes, families can complete a Free & Reduced application for tuition financial assistance. These forms are typically published by the state in July. When they are available, we will alert families.
Is there tuition for IEP/disability students?
Some students with an IEP may qualify for tuition free kindergarten. This is dependent on the length of day and the services recommended by the IEP team.
What are the school start and release times?
For the half day program, Kindergarten start and end times are as follows:
Monday – Thursday from 8:15 A.M. – 11:30 A.M. and Friday from 8:15 A.M. – 12: 45 P.M.
For the full-day program, Kindergarten start and end times are as follows:
Monday – Thursday from 8:15 A.M. – 2:45 P.M. and Friday from 8:15 A.M. – 12:45 P.M.
QUESTIONS ABOUT THE REGISTRATION PACKET/FORMS:
Do the required documents, such as the birth certificate, need to be originals?
No, a scanned or photocopied version is acceptable.
Is there an acceptable list of proof-of-residency documents?
Yes, that list is included in the registration packet.
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 can I expect to receive for communication once I submit the registration packet?
You will receive information from the building principal of your child’s new school in early spring.
Do current RISE students have to complete a registration packet?
No, current RISE students should only complete the Early Childhood Experience Survey and Full Day/Half Day Selection form. These forms can be submitted to RPSStudentRegistration@reading.k12.ma.us or dropped/mailled to the Superintendent’s Office (82 Oakland Road). They can also be shared with Director of RISE, Ms. Alanna Shone.
Can the registration packet be submitted before or after the January 31st Registration Night?
Yes, if you are unable to attend the January 31st Registration Night, please submit your packet and documentation before or after. This information can be mailed or dropped