Kindergarten Information

When does kindergarten registration open, and what documents are required?

Registration for kindergarten opens in early February for students starting school the following fall. You can find registration dates and required documents on our website (Kindergarten Registration - Issaquah School District 411). Registration stays open throughout the year, so you can register any time after February.

Your child must be 5 years old by August 31st to start kindergarten that school year. If your child has a summer or early fall birthday, you also have the option to start them in kindergarten when they are 6 years old. Registration stays open throughout the year, so you can register any time after February. You can choose what is best for your child's readiness.

Do we need to apply to attend our neighborhood school?

No application is needed for your neighborhood school. Every student in the Issaquah School District has a guaranteed spot at their neighborhood school. Simply register your child during the registration period. Check our website for registration dates and instructions (Kindergarten Registration - Issaquah School District 411).

Can we choose to attend a different school than our assigned neighborhood school?

Yes, you can request a different school. If you want your child to attend a different Issaquah School District school, you need to complete a Transfer Request Form. Visit our website for the form and more information (Issaquah School District 2026-27 Open Enrollment & School Choice (Page 1 of 12). If you live outside the Issaquah School District but want your child to attend an ISD school, we also have a transfer process for families in your situation. Visit our website to learn about transfer requests and what to expect (School Choice & Transfers (Open Enrollment) - Issaquah School District 411).

My child will turn 5 years after September 1st? Can we still enroll in kindergarten?

Please review the district's guidelines on early entrance. (Early Entrance - Issaquah School District 411)

My child will turn 6 in October and seems ready for first grade. Can they skip kindergarten?

If your child turns 6 years old by September 1st, they can start first grade directly. They do not need to attend kindergarten. If your child has a summer or early fall birthday, you also have the option to start them in kindergarten when they are 6 years old. You can choose what is best for your child's readiness.

What are the school hours for kindergarten?

School starts at 9:15 am and ends at 3:45 pm on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday. On Wednesdays, school starts at 9:15 am and ends at 1:30 pm. Wednesday is a shorter school day for all elementary ISD students.

Can my child attend only half-day kindergarten? What if I change my mind and switch to full day?

Yes, Issaquah School District offers a half-day kindergarten option. If you choose half-day, you must pick up your child from the school office by 12:15 pm. The school does not provide afternoon bus transportation for half-day students, even if your child receives morning bus transportation. You can switch to full-day kindergarten at any time if you change your mind. We only offer a morning/AM kindergarten.

What does a typical kindergarten day look like?

Your child's teacher will share the daily schedule at Curriculum Night, which happens during the first two to three weeks of school. Every day, students have two 20-minute recess times to play outside (they go inside only during severe weather) and one 20-minute lunch period. On Wednesdays, students have one recess because the school day is shorter. Kindergarten classes also have a special snack time built into the day.

What are the drop-off and pick-up procedures?

Each school has its own arrival and dismissal procedures. Your child's teacher will explain these procedures at the Kindergarten Family Connection Meeting before school starts. You will also receive information through email bulletins from the school. It is important to keep your Skyward/Family Access account updated at all times. Make sure all adults who are allowed to pick up your child are listed in the system. This list is used for dismissal and bus transportation.

What is the kindergarten curriculum, and what will my child learn?

The kindergarten curriculum covers reading, writing, math, science, social studies, and social-emotional learning. For detailed information about what your child will learn in each subject area, visit the district website: Kindergarten - Issaquah School District 411. Additionally, each school hosts a Curriculum Night within the first two weeks of school where parents can learn more about the specific curriculum, classroom routines, and expectations for the year directly from their child's teacher.

How can I best prepare my child for kindergarten?

The district provides helpful tips and activities to prepare your child for kindergarten success. These include practicing basic skills like recognizing letters and numbers, developing social skills like sharing and taking turns, and building independence with tasks like using the bathroom and opening lunch containers. For a complete guide with practical suggestions, visit: Kindergarten Readiness Guide - Issaquah School District 411.

What is the kindergarten screening/assessment, and when does it happen?

Kindergarten screening is a brief assessment helps the school understand each child's academic and social development to create balanced classrooms and plan appropriate instruction. The results are used only for classroom planning and are not used for the Highly Capable (gifted) program. They are scheduled in April or May for students enrolled for the upcoming school year. Schools will contact families in March or April to schedule an individual screening appointment for your child.

How much technology and screen time is used during the school day?

Kindergarten students use technology as a learning tool, not for entertainment. Students have access to district-approved educational programs such as Zearn (math), Benchmark (reading), i-Ready (literacy and math practice), and Sora (digital library). There is approximately one laptop for every three students in kindergarten classrooms; tablets are not used in general education classrooms. Students use laptops for focused learning activities to practice math and reading skills, reinforce phonics and decoding, and develop independent learning habits. Screen time is purposeful and integrated into the instructional day.

How much homework do kindergarteners receive?

Kindergarten students do not receive graded homework. The primary expectation is that students read or are read to at home daily for about 10 minutes. Some teachers may occasionally send home optional practice activities to reinforce classroom learning, but these activities are not graded and are meant to support learning in a low-pressure way.

What is the student-to-teacher ratio in kindergarten classrooms?

According to the teacher contract, each kindergarten classroom is limited to fewer than 23 students per teacher. Schools make every effort to keep class sizes even smaller, typically aiming for 20 or fewer students per class whenever possible. Additionally, each kindergarten classroom has a classroom aide (also called a paraeducator or instructional assistant) who works with the teacher during specific times of the day or during particular activities to provide extra support and ensure students receive the attention they need.

When can we meet the teacher and see the classroom?

Families have multiple opportunities to meet teachers and visit the school before kindergarten begins. In January or early spring, before the enrollment and registration period opens for the upcoming school year, each elementary school hosts a Welcome to Kindergarten event specifically for incoming kindergarten families. At this event, parents and children can tour the school building, learn what to expect in kindergarten, ask questions, and help your child feel comfortable in their new school environment. Additional opportunities to tour the school and meet your child's teacher before school starts include the Family Connections meeting and Meet the Teacher day.

What is Meet the Teacher Day?

Once your child is assigned to a specific classroom teacher (usually in late summer), you will have another important opportunity to connect. Meet the Teacher is an annual event held the day before the first day of school for all students in the building. During this visit, your child will meet their classroom teacher, see their classroom, find their desk or cubby, and begin to feel at home in their new learning space. Families are also encouraged to bring some of their child's school supplies during this visit, especially larger items from the supply list that need to be dropped off and left in the classroom, so students don't have to carry everything on the first day.

What if my child does not speak English but another language?

The Issaquah School District provides Multilingual (ML) programs at every elementary school to support students who are learning English as an additional language. These programs are led by certified Multilingual teachers who work directly with your child's classroom teacher to help your child succeed academically while developing English language skills. Support is provided in two ways: the ML teacher may work with your child inside the regular classroom alongside their peers, or your child may receive additional instruction in small groups outside the classroom for focused language development. To learn more about how students qualify for Multilingual services, how language proficiency is assessed, and answers to other common questions, visit the district's Multilingual/English Learners page: Multilingual/English Learners - Issaquah School District 411.

Are there any Dual Language programs at the schools?

The Issaquah School District offers a Dual Language Spanish Immersion Program located at Issaquah Valley Elementary School. For detailed information about the program structure, benefits, application process, and enrollment deadlines, visit: Dual Language Immersion Program - Issaquah School District 411.

Does the ISD have a gifted program?

The Issaquah School District provides services for students in kindergarten through 12th grade who are identified as Highly Capable (also known as gifted). The identification process includes multiple assessments and typically occurs in the spring for the following school year. For more information about the Highly Capable program, the identification process, testing timelines, and services provided, visit: Highly Capable (Gifted) - Issaquah School District 411.

How School Bus Transportation Works for Kindergarten Students? 

The school district provides free bus transportation for students who live more than one mile away from their school. If you are unsure whether your child qualifies for bus service, you can check the district's transportation website or contact the transportation office directly. Transportation-Enews@issaquah.wednet.edu or 425-837-6333

When Bus Route Information Becomes Available?

Bus routes, stop locations, and pickup times are typically posted about one week before the first day of school. Check the district website or your parent portal regularly during the two weeks of school to check updates. Find Your Bus Route - Issaquah School District 411

How to Find Your Child's Bus Route and Schedule?

You can view your child's specific bus information by logging into the E-link parent portal using your child's account credentials. E-link will show you the bus route number, the exact pickup location (bus stop address), morning pickup time, and afternoon drop-off time. For step-by-step instructions on how to access E-link and find bus information, visit the district's transportation page: Find Your Bus Route - Issaquah School District 411. If you have trouble logging in or cannot find the information, contact the transportation department. Transportation-Enews@issaquah.wednet.edu or 425-837-6333.

If You Plan to Drive Your Child Instead of Using the Bus

Families are welcome to walk or drive their children to and from school instead of using the bus. For car drop off, each school has a designated drop-off and pick-up loop where you can safely let your child out of the car in the morning and pick them up in the afternoon. Before school starts, review your school's specific drop-off and pick-up procedures, including arrival times, traffic flow, and safety rules—this information is usually available on the school website or in welcome materials. Please visit your school’s website in the tab Our School click Parking and Traffic Safety.

How do I ensure my child gets home safely?

You must inform your child's kindergarten teacher about your transportation plans, especially for after-school pickup. Share this information at the Kindergarten Family Connections meeting (an orientation event before school starts) or send an email to the teacher before the first day of school so the teacher knows how your child will get home safely.If plans change, be sure to inform both the school office and the classroom teacher.

Can my kindergarten child walk home with their older siblings or by themselves?

No, kindergarten students are only released to an authorized adult at the bus stop, same as when they are in the school. Please be sure to add the names of people authorized to pick up your child on the Kindergarten Transportation Release Form. Transportation Release Form - Issaquah School District 411

What is Before and After School Program (BASC)?

BASC is the before and after school care program offered by the Issaquah School District. Every elementary school has this program. BASC staff take the students to school before school and will pick up the students from the kindergarten classes after school and take them to the BASC program.

What before and after school care options are available?

Families who are interested in joining BASC, start by adding their child's information to our wait list. Once space becomes available in our program, for the year you are requesting care, you will receive an email from the BASC Office with an invitation to register. Children must be registered in the Issaquah School District in order to receive the registration email. Please check the website for fees, times of service and link to wait list. Before and After School Care - Issaquah School District 411

If we're on the waitlist for after school care, what are our chances of getting in?

If you have any questions regarding the BASC wait list, please email Michelle Morrison or Autumn Fugere

What lunch options are available at school?

Students can bring a lunch from home or purchase lunch at school. Lunch menus, costs and links to add money to your lunch account can be found here. Meals - Issaquah School District 411 All students are assigned a lunch account number in August before school starts.

How can I pay for my child school lunches?

Students may pay for lunches daily or funds may be deposited into the lunch account. Cash or check deposits may be made directly through the school office or the cashier in the kitchen. For your convenience, online payments may also be made by visiting www.MySchoolBucks.com

Is there aid for families with financial need?

Yes, please complete the Free and Reduced Price Meal Program application to see if your child qualifies. Application are available on the website and families will also have the opportunity to complete the application in August during the enrollment verification process. (EVP)

What types of meals are available?

Students have access to hot meals as well as other at least one other meal option. Allergy information and nutritional information is available on the ISD website. Menus and Pricing - Issaquah School District 411

Does the school accommodate dietary restrictions like kosher, halal, vegan, or food allergies?

Use the Digital Menu (Menus and Pricing - Issaquah School District 411) on the website to learn more about dietary options for students including vegan, kosher and allergies. Students with allergies or/and disabilities that restrict their diet should work with the school nurse and complete the Special Dietary Accommodations form on the ISD website here.

Are there restrictions on what can be included in packed lunches?

Make sure that students can open their lunch containers. Remind students not to share their meals. Specific tables are reserved for students with allergies such as peanuts to ensure their safety.

What school supplies does my child need for kindergarten?

Each school provides a detailed list of school supplies for kindergarten students along with the students in other grade levels. Please check the school website under the Academics tab for the Supply List.

Can we tour the school before enrollment?

During the Kindergarten enrollment in January, before the enrollment opens for the following school year, each school will host an event to share important information about kindergarten and will also do a tour of the school along with the playground, lunch area and classroom.

Families can also tour the campus during the “Meet the Teacher” event before school starts or during the “Kindergarten Family Connections” meeting with the kindergarten teacher. Check the school bulletin in August for these dates.

How can families get involved with the PTA or school community?

Parents are encouraged to volunteer in the classroom and at school events. Your child's teacher will share specific volunteer opportunities during Curriculum Night in the first weeks of school. Please be sure to complete the volunteer application each year. Volunteer - Issaquah School District 411

Additionally, each school has a PTSA (Parent Teacher Student Association) that welcomes all families to join as members. The PTSA organizes school events, fundraisers, and community-building activities throughout the year and always needs parent volunteers. You will receive information about joining the PTSA and volunteer opportunities in August. PTSA - Issaquah School District 411

Can we arrange playdates before kindergarten starts to help children develop friendships?

Yes! Many school PTSAs organize summer playdates specifically for incoming kindergarten students and families to meet and connect before school begins. These informal gatherings help children start building friendships and help parents get to know other families in their school community. To learn about playdate opportunities at your school, connect with or join your school's PTSA. For PTSA contact information and resources, visit: PTSA - Issaquah School District 411.

What resources are available for families new to the U.S. public school system?

The district provides support specifically for families who are new to the U.S. school system Family Partnership Liaisons work at all schools to help families understand how schools operate and navigate the school system successfully. These liaisons can explain school procedures, answer questions, and connect families with resources. The district also offers informational events and materials on important topics such as parent-teacher conferences, how to report concerns or incidents, understanding report cards, and preparing for transitions to middle school. For upcoming events and resources for new families, visit the Family Partnership Events page on the district website. Family Partnerships - Issaquah School District 411

How do you help children adjust during the first few weeks of kindergarten?

Teachers use several strategies to help children transition smoothly into kindergarten. An important first step is the Kindergarten Family Connections meeting, which takes place before school begins and brings together the teacher, parent or caregiver, and student to build a relationship and share important information about your child. During the first weeks of school, teachers establish predictable routines, teach classroom expectations, and provide extra support to help children feel safe and confident. Regular communication between teachers and families during this adjustment period helps address any concerns quickly and ensures each child's needs are being met.

How does the school support children who are struggling academically or socially?

Classroom teachers regularly assess each child's progress to identify students who may need additional support. For Kindergarten students, the i-Ready assessment is administered two times per year (winter, and spring) to measure progress in reading and math, and results are shared with families. Teachers also communicate student progress through parent-teacher conferences and report cards. If concerns arise at any time, teachers will reach out to families to discuss support strategies. Families are always welcome and encouraged to contact their child's teacher if they have concerns about their child's academic or social development.

What safety and security measures does the school have?

The district and schools take student safety very seriously and have multiple measures in place. All visitors must check in at the school office and receive authorization before entering other areas of the building; no one is allowed on campus without proper clearance. All volunteers must complete an approval process before working with students—for details, visit: Volunteer - Issaquah School District 411. Schools conduct monthly emergency preparedness drills including fire drills, earthquake drills, lockdown drills, and other safety procedures to ensure students and staff know how to respond in emergencies. For specific safety information and emergency procedures at your school, visit your school's website and click on "Our School" then "Emergency Information".

What anti-bullying programs and safeguards are in place?

Teachers conduct classroom discussions throughout the year about respectful behavior, kindness, conflict resolution, and how to respond to unkind behavior. Schools teach students to recognize bullying and provide clear procedures for reporting concerns. If you believe your child is being bullied or witnessing bullying behavior, please contact your school principal or assistant principal immediately by phone or email so the situation can be investigated and addressed. For detailed information about the district's policies and procedures regarding bullying, harassment, and intimidation, including definitions and reporting processes, visit the district's regulations page on this topic.