Kindergarten Enrollment Packet 2024
West Hartford Public Schools
Welcome!
CT State Law has changed the age for entering kindergarten:
Children must be age 5 on or before September 1, 2024 to enter kindergarten. Only children with birthdates on or before September 1, 2019 may register for kindergarten.
Parent/Caregiver Evenings for Incoming Kindergarteners
Each elementary school will host an evening parent orientation (for adults) and a daytime visiting day for incoming kindergartners and their caregivers. Please find your dates and contact information here.
Not sure which school is yours? Use the street selector tool on the Residency Office webpage or call the Residency Office at 860-561-6620.
In Kindergarten we . . .
Explore as scientists!
Sort and compare as mathematicians!
Play and practice social skills!
What You Need To Do Now
1. Connect with your Neighborhood School and establish a start date
2. Your most important job is to establish residency
Kindergarten registration is online and will open on January 15, 2024.
Instructions for online registration are available here.
This is a list of documents you will need to register in English and Espanol.
*Children who do not meet age eligibility cannot register for kindergarten without an early entrance waiver from the district.
If you are currently enrolled in a WHPS Pre-K you do not have to register again (attending Pre-K at Aiken, Charter Oak, Smith, Webster Hill or Whiting Lane) if you are staying at the same school for Kindergarten. If you are switching schools you will only need complete Step 3 of registration again.
3. Health Forms
It is a requirement to have a State of CT Health Record Form (including immunizations) on file with the school nurse. Please provide your most recent completed form to your school office by August 15, 2024. If you do not have one, please ask your pediatrician to complete one.
**Please complete the Health Records Signature Page
You may find these additional forms helpful:
4. Permission to Communicate with Your Child's Preschool/Childcare Provider Waiver
5. Before and After School Care (if needed)
Each elementary school has a licensed program that provides before and after care for students in K-5th grade. To learn more about rates and hours please contact programs directly.
Checklist - make sure you complete all the items above!
- Call your school to let them know your kindergarten is coming this fall!
Attend Kindergarten Orientation Evening and Visiting Day this spring. - Complete all four steps of online registration.
- Send updated physical to the school nurse by August 15th
Complete the Health Signature Page - Sign the waiver allowing Kindergarten and Preschool teachers to communicate.
- Enroll in before/after school care program if needed.
What You Can Do Later
Bus Transportation
Email Damaris_Torres@whps.org
A practice bus ride will be available for incoming kindergarten students on Monday, August 5, 2024. Practice rides will take place at your elementary school at 9:00 a.m. More information
School Meals
We encourage families to apply early for free & reduced priced lunch. If you qualify for free or reduced price lunch, breakfast is free.
School Calendar
Regular school day hours are:
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday 8:35 a.m.- 3:20 p.m.
Wednesday 8:35 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Special Education
Parents Guide to Special Education, English
Parents Guide to Special Education, Spanish
WHPS Pupil Services webpage
Other Items of Interest
Expectations for Entering Kindergarten
The State Office of Early Childhood provides a guide to Getting Your Child Ready for Kindergarten. (Espanol)
Kindergarten Curriculum in a Nutshell
English for Families and ESOL Classes
Free English classes for parents, grandparents and caregivers. Free childcare available during class. Click on the following for Information in English, Vietnamese, Spanish and Portuguese
Summer Reading
Check our the 2024 summer reading game board.
Keep track of all the books you read this summer and return your gameboard this fall to the WH Public Library or to your school librarian!
Need a library card? You can get one online and take out digital books!
Learn more about the Foundation for West Hartford Public Schools
Questions?
If you still need help please contact your school office.
Have a question about transportation?
Email Damaris_Torres@whps.org
Have a question about registration or residency?
Email residency@whps.org