Kindergarten Information
On March 12, 2025 the Cultural and Family Partnerships team hosted "Welcome ISD Kindergarten Families" event.
This event will be held again in March 2026.
Presentation Transcripts
English
2025-26 Incoming Kindergarten Registration (click here for link to ppt)
It is an exciting time of year as the Issaquah School District begins to reach out to our community in preparation of welcoming the incoming Kindergartens for the 25-26 school year at their neighborhood school. The Issaquah School District offers full day Kindergarten at no cost to all students. If you have a child who will be a kindergartener for the 2025-2026, USE THIS LINK -> please visit the ISD New Student Enrollment website. Students who are turning 5 years old by August 31, 2025, are eligible for enrollment for the 2025-2026 school year.
* All students who are 5 year old by August 31st and live within the district boundaries can be enrolled in the Issaquah School District schools.
* Students with summer birthdays (2025) MAY wait and enroll in Kindergarten in 2026 based on parent preference.
Schools met with incoming Kindergarten families in early 2025. Schools will share this information in their electronic bulletins and on their website. Connect with your neighborhood school for more details about that meeting. This meeting prepared families to complete the online registration. Registration began March 12, 2025 for the 2025-26 school year. Please visit the ISD New Student Enrollment website to begin your incoming kindergartner's registration. Once the online portion is complete, you will work with your neighborhood school to completed the enrollment process. If you cannot access the online application, please call or visit your neighborhood school for assistance.
- Please Note: Students in the Early Childhood Education (ECE) Program, SLP Program, Early Childhood Education & Assistance Program (ECEAP), and those previously evaluated by Special Services (ex. Childfind) must still complete the online kindergarten enrollment process to register for kindergarten. Please start the process as though you are a new student to the Issaquah School District.
- Students in Transition to Kindergarten (TK), do not need to complete the online kindergarten registration process to register. Your child will be automatically registered in our system to attend their neighborhood school when they start kindergarten in the fall.
School offices are open from 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. to assist you. Please note for your convenience, arrival and dismissal times are very high traffic times for the school office. Picking up or submitting required documents at this time may result in longer wait times.
All incoming kindergartners are registering at their neighborhood school. Your neighborhood school is determined by your home address.
Don't know your neighborhood school? The ISD Transportation Department will be able to assist you in identifying your neighborhood school. Contact Transportation (email) Transportation-Enews@issaquah.wednet.edu or (phone) 425-837-6330.
For more information about kindergarten, visit our Kindergarten FAQ webpage.
Registration
Ongoing registration for Kindergarten
- Families can enroll their child now for the next school year. Student can be enrolled in the school at any time as long as they live within the school district boundaries.
- Email the Family Partnership Liaisons for help in completing the application forms if needed. (Interpreters available).
- Most of the registration is online.
- Once the application has been approved, you will receive an automated email from the district with confirmation.
- The school registrar will email you with more information.
- Email or call school registrars with any questions or if you don't hear back from a school registrar.
- Check your junk mail/spam folder – common problem.
- Residence verification is required as part of the enrollment process:
Documents needed include:
- Purchase Papers for home OR Property Tax Statement OR Lease Agreement—original copy. If you are renting/leasing your residence in which all utilities are included in rent, you can provide the rental agreement on PROPERTY MANAGEMENT LETTERHEAD ONLY.
- PSE bill at that residence
- Bill must include the parent/guardian's name and address and be within 30 days.
OPEN ENROLLMENT at ISD ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS
Families can complete Open Enrollment applications for the following:
- Students within the district seeking to transfer to another school within the district.
- Students within the district interested in attending a school in a different district.
- Students from another district wishing to transfer to a school in the Issaquah School District.
- Beginning March 12 and ending April 30, ISD will be accepting Open Enrollment applications from families who wish to transfer schools at the beginning of the 2025-2026 school year.
- 4 Elementary Schools are at capacity and are "closed" to students who do not already live within their boundary area.
- Families can complete Open Enrollment applications beginning March 12 and ending April 30 for students within the district seeking to transfer to another school within the district.
- Students residing in school districts outside the Issaquah School District and want to attend a school within the Issaquah School District may apply for an inter-district transfer. These transfers are approved on a space-available basis after transfers within the district have been accommodated.
- More information on the website. Open Enrollment & Transfers - Issaquah School District 411.
Students follow their feeder pattern school
- Link to Attendance Map
- Feeder pattern system – elementary schools students attend specific middle schools and then high schools.
- Some elementary school boundaries split students to two different middle schools or high schools.
- If your family moves out of the school boundary area during the year, your child will have to change schools.
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Students are guaranteed enrollment at their neighborhood school and can simply enroll by starting the online enrollment process on our New Student Enrollment webpage
- Reminder – Public School so ALL students who live within the ISD school boundaries are eligible to enroll at an ISD school if they turn 5 by August 31, 2025.
School Feeder Patterns - updated 2023
2025-2026 School Calendar and Kindergarten Timeline
2025-2026 School Calendar and Kindergarten Timeline
Kindergarten Timeline:
- First day of school for Kindergarten – September 3 (Wednesday - early release day)
- First day for students 1-12th grade – August 28 (before Labor Day)
- Elementary Conference days in November – No school days for students, Parent and teacher 1:1 meeting
- Two teacher Work Days – no school days for students
Family Connections Meeting - for Kindergarten Families only
- 1:1 meeting with teachers - REQUIRED, student and parent will attend (no other parents).
- August 28, 29 and Sept 2 – one of these 3 days for about 20-30 mins (before K starts but 1-5 has begun).
- School staff will contact you regarding your appointment day and time.
- Meeting with each family separately, child and teacher can also connect.
- Time for student to see the classroom - calm any anxiety or questions.
- Resource for parents - The Kindergarten teacher may ask questions from this document.
Meet the Teacher - August 27 Event for all students K-5 at ALL Elementary Schools
- Check School Bulletin in late August for more information.
- All K-5 students have an opportunity to visit the school and teacher before school starts.
- Casual/informal visit to the classroom.
- Opportunity to drop school supplies at child's desk
- Opportunity to see other students in the class before school begins.
- Opportunity for parents to meet other parents in the class and at school.
- PTSA often has popsicles or kids play on the playground with parent supervision.
- Families are encouraged to attend BOTH Family Connections meeting and Meet the Teacher event. Each offers a different opportunities for students and families.
Kindergarten - Full Day at all schools
- The Issaquah School District offers Full Day Kindergarten at no cost to all students.
- Students in K follow the same bell times as the rest of the students at school.
- Most schools begins at 9:15 and ends at 3:40 (Check your child’s school’s bell schedule).
- Students will ride the bus with others grades 1-5 (unless walking distance) to and from school. (K students ride in the front of the bus.)
- Same teacher and classroom all day except for Specialist classes (PE, Music and Library).
- Students with MLL services and Special education services integrated in class (additional teacher in class or students work outside the classroom in small groups).
Option - Half Day Kindergarten (offered at all elementary schools)
- Students attend three hours in the morning. (No PM option)
- Students start at same time and parent pick-up at school at end of the three-hour day session.
- Morning transportation by bus (unless lives in walking distance) with the regular bus pick-up schedule for the neighborhood.
- Check with teacher regarding what school and learning activities occur in the afternoon for that classroom.
- Early Entrance Assessment performed by professional and submitted by July 15, 2025 (District forms and handwritten signature required)
- 30-day trial period in kindergarten – reviewed by principal and teacher for permanent placement
- Parents may choose to delay having their child start Kindergarten (late spring or summer birthdays till following year depending on readiness of child).
Dual Language Program
- ISD Spanish/English Dual Language Program
- At Issaquah Valley Elementary
- Process for registration
- New students to IVE will be asked if they are interested in the program during the registration process. An application must be completed to be considered for the program.
- If your child is a native Spanish speaker, we encourage you to apply.
- Program contact DualLanguage@Issaquah.wednet.edu or call 425-837-7120
- Kindergarten registration forms received after the lottery deadline of March 28, 2025 at 4:30 pm and will be dated in the order received. Students will be placed on the corresponding waiting list in sequential order following the lottery.
- Program lotteries will take place April 21, 2025 at 10:00 am - 10:30 am at the ISD Administration Building
Highly Capable Program
- ALL ISD Kindergarten and 2nd grade students are screened/tested to determine if they are eligible for the highly capable test.
- 2025-2026 Kindergarten students will all take a placement test next year – usually in winter to determine eligibility.
- Specific testing dates will be shared by the school next fall.
- Check website for more details.
- PRIMARY ENRICHMENT PROGRAM (PEP) |K-2 The Primary Enrichment Program (PEP) is offered at each elementary school. PEP services may include, pull-out or push in model, and/or differentiated instruction within the classroom. SAGE/PEP teachers provide support for these services. Students work on special enrichment projects that incorporate a high level of cognitive demand. One time a week for 30 minutes in Kindergarten. One hour a week in 1st and 2nd grade.
MLL/ELL Program
- More than 1,400 students receive MLL/ELL services K-12 in the ISD.
- Multilingual/English Language Learners certificated teacher support for students.
- Student support in their regular classroom or pulled out for a short time to work in small groups with ELL teacher.
- Eligibility based on an English Language proficiency assessment (WIDA screener) that students take in reading, writing, speaking and listening.
- Students are exited from the program when they meet requirements
- Program designed to support students develop English Academic Language proficiency to be successful in learning and engaging in school content.
Kindergarten Preparedness
- Children progress at different paces. Contact school principal, child’s pediatrician or Preschool if you have any questions.
- Independence vs. Interdependence
- Make sure your child can go to the bathroom by themselves (washes hands)
- Packs backpack and puts on coat and shoes independently.
- Eats independently – open jars/lunch containers, stay focused on eating
- Clearing workspace and putting things back (follows directions with multi steps)
- Teach your child their full name and practice writing their first name.
- Use everyday situations to practice taking turns, sharing, and following routines.
Kindergarten Readiness Guide
Kindergarten Curriculum
- Website had many resources about curriculum and specific areas learning goals and content:
- Reading
- Writing
- Math
- Science
- Social studies
- Music
- PE
- Library
- Motor development
- SEL (Social and emotional learning)
504 Plan and Students with Disabilities
504 Plan and Students with Disabilities
- A school-aged student is considered eligible under Section 504 if the student:
- Has a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities
- If your child already has a 504 plan, it will follow your child to Kindergarten.
- Talk to your child’s school counselor (or pediatrician) to see if you child may qualify for a 504 plan.
- Check with the school counselor if you have any questions.
Special Education Program and IEPs
- Schools are your partner in your child’s development.
- Schools have special education programs to best serve and support students. It is not a stigma to be in the program.
- All elementary schools have special education programs at school – LRC (Learning Resource Centers)
- If your child already has an IEP (Individualized Education Plan) from pre-school (ISD ECE (Early Childhood Education program), the IEP will follow them to the new school.
- The school case manager will contact you.
- Please communicate with your school if you have any concerns about your child's academic, behavior or social/emotional growth.
- Better if you can start the conversation and be proactive especially if you or your pediatrician have concerns.
- If you have concerns about your child’s development, the school district offers free screening through Child Find. Child Find - Issaquah School District 411
School Nurse and the Health Room Specialist
- All elementary schools have a Health Room
- If your child feels ill or gets hurt at school, they may be sent to the health room. Health Room specialist will contact you.
- Health Rooms are staffed by
- School Nurse (Licensed RN)
- Health Room Specialist (not a medical professional but an assistant – similar to a Paraprofessional)
- Please be sure the school is informed about life-threatening condition for your child (Per Washington State law an emergency care plan needs to be in place with the school before the child can attend school). Examples include:
- severe allergy (EpiPen has been prescribed),
- diabetes,
- severe asthma
- seizure disorder
- cardiac condition
- adrenal insufficiency)
- Partner with the school nurse if you have any concerns and make sure the information in your Confidential Health form is Up To Date.
- The school nurse can help connect you with medical providers, insurance, vision and dental provider if you need help.
- KidVantage Resources (clothing and other items) if you need financial assistance.
Immunization
Immunization
2 doses of MMRs, 5 doses of DTaP, 2 doses of varicella , 4 doses of polio (IPV), 3 doses of Hepatitis B
- All incoming K students need to have a medically verified immunization record before the first day of school. (See school website for questions) Immunizations and Testing - Issaquah School District 411
- Your student may register for school, but MAY NOT attend school until provider-verified immunizations have been received and validated by the school nurse.
- If you have vaccine records coming from out-of-state or from another country, give us copies of any of those records.
- If you have questions or need help with vaccine resources or to make an appointment for vaccines, contact the school nurse.
- State law - students are required to submit a completed Certificate of Immunization Status (CIS), or Certificate of Exemption (COE), that demonstrates a compliant immunization status according to state law before starting.
School Counselors - Elementary School
(School Counselor contact list at all elementary schools)
- School Counselors are at all schools to support the social, mental and academic development of the students.
- An elementary school counselor typically performs the following duties:
- Fosters good relationships with peers, parents, teachers, and other important people in the child’s life
- Not a stigma to see or talk to a counselor, social and emotional development of a child is part of the US educational focus.
- Encourages young learners to adopt a more positive attitude towards school and the learning process
- Peer group meeting (usually at lunch) and work with students on friendship issues.
- Improves the communication skills of young learners, and helps them successfully develop effective decision-making strategies
- Addresses developmental tasks, personal concerns, crises, peer conflicts, dysfunctional home environments, ill health, and physical disabilities, and offers helpful solutions
Behaviors and Social Skills in US Elementary Schools
- Walking feet
- Space bubble (Hand and feet to yourself)
- Voice level
- No touching or rough play at recess
- Cleaning up after an activity
“Soft” skills or behaviors taught at elementary schools.
Behavior expectations taught and reviewed.
Schools will review routines and school procedures.
Screenshot of Behavior expectations example from an elementary school in the ISD.
Specialist Teacher
Specialist Teacher - Certificated Teacher
- Students go to a “specialist” teacher for class in music, P.E. and library
- 2 PE, 2 Music and 1 Library each week – PE, Library or Music
- Weekly schedule set at the beginning of the year and shared with families within first couple weeks.
- Know the days your student as PE so they can wear the appropriate shoes.
- Know the library days so your student can return their books.
- Notes of example of a student's specialist schedule at their school.
Para-Educators (Paraprofessionals)
non-certificated staff
- Non-certificated teacher/school aide in school
- May work with your child in the classroom, playground, lunchroom or health room.
Example of Specialist School Schedule
Specialist Days:
Monday: Music: 3:05 p.m. – 3:35 p.m.
Tuesday: P.E.: 3:05 p.m. – 3:35 p.m.
Thursday: Music: 3:05 p.m. – 3:35 p.m.
Friday: Library: 1:00 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. P.E.: 3:05 p.m. – 3:35 p.m.
Elementary School Libraries in the ISD
- Students visit the library with their class 1X a week.
- Students will check out books – their choice.
- Librarian teaches them library skills, care of book, check out procedures, etc.
- Librarian does lessons with students and/or reads to students.
- Parent/Community volunteers in the library to help students check out books and shelve books.
Elementary Libraries
School Events
- Some events may be school sponsored such as School Book Fair
- Schools host a book fair to help families see current books available.
- Books are listed by grade or reading level.
- Fundraiser - provides schools some additional dollars for teachers or school libraries to get additional books for classroom or school library.
- Flyers will be sent home with book titles.
- Some events sponsored by PTSA in collaboration with school.
- Some events – after school – by outside vendors. Listed in PeachJar – Chess, Drama, Piano.
Elementary School Gym
- All classes do P.E. twice a week with a PE teacher.
- Students learn how to play various sports and games.
Elementary Gym space
Music
- Each elementary school has a music teacher (or two depending on size of school) that does music lessons with students.
- Students will sing and learn some songs.
- Usually there is a music concert by grade level 2 or 3 times a year depending on school.
Playground for Recess
- Two recesses and one lunch during the day
- Wednesday – most schools – one recess and one lunch
- In addition, time for purposeful play provided as part of WaKIDS in Kindergarten.
Outdoor Recess Playground
Lunchroom
- Students sit in lunchroom based by class group
- Allergy tables at each school
- Meatless options
- Menu on school website – can print or access digital menu with more details
- Kids can either take lunch from home or buy a school lunch.
- If families need financial assistance, please apply for Free and Reduced Lunch Program
Lunch Menu:
- Whole grain corndogs with peas and mandarin oranges.
- Baked potato bar (option always – meatless option)
- Yogurt lunch (option always – meatless option)
- Chocolate or regular milk
Kindergarten Transportation
- Full day kindergarten students will ride the same bus as the other students attending their neighborhood school (or school of attendance).
Half day kindergarten students will ride the same bus in the morning as the other students in their neighborhood (or school of attendance). Mid-day transportation will not be provided by the district. Parents/guardians will be responsible for picking their child up at the end of the three-hour half day morning session - Release Form – Kindergarten students must always be released to their parent/guardian or designee (up to 6) Proof of ID required.
- Camera on bus
- Preferential seating for K students
- Route Information: New students registered in the ISD by August 1st will be able get route information by the end of August.
- Sign up for - Ride the Big Yellow School Bus – Kindergarten Ride Along - August 12, 2025.
Bathrooms
- Teachers teach students the procedures regarding bathroom visits during class, recess and lunch.
- Schools have a change of clothes in case of accident
- Each classroom teacher will teach the students how to ask to go to the bathroom, teach them how to find or where the bathrooms are located. Teachers can give you more information at the Family Connections meeting before school starts.
Before and After School Care (BASC)*
Before and After School Care
- Sites at all sixteen elementary schools across the Issaquah School District.
- Waitlist – most years program fills up fast so be sure to put your name on Waitlist if interested.
- To get on the waiting list: Visit BASC site and click on Join The Wait List to submit form.
- Incoming K students not eligible for summer camp (2025)
Registration Information
School Age Care
All School Age Care (elementary) locations currently have a waiting list. If you are interested in adding your child's name to our waiting list for the school of your choice, please click the wait list button below.
Additional Registration Information
- Break Services
- Summer Camp
- Preschool Academy
SCHOOL AGE CARE BREAK INFORMATION
Full day services are available during Winter, Mid-Winter, and Spring Breaks for children who are currently enrolled in the BASC School Age Care Program.
Please Note: Break services require and additional registration and fee.
Examples of classrooms in ISD Elementary Schools
Kindergarten - Reading and Choice Activities
Kindergarten - Reading area
Kindergarten - Visual of Daily Schedule
Elementary School - cubbies
What's Next?
- Familiarize yourself with the school website – Handbook, announcements, bell schedule, etc
- March-August – K registration, pre-assessment/screening (March to June)
- Review your school's Elementary Handbook
- August 12, 2025 – Ride The Big Yellow School Bus (optional opportunity for K students to ride a school bus)
- August 21 - ISD District optional event – Tips and Resouces for Elementary Families New to the US Public School System https://forms.office.com/r/yYz4UPw7ez
- (Presentation will cover – School expectation, Communicating with schools, Attendance, Bus Route, Lunch, School Supplies, etc)
- August 27* – Meet the Teacher (Date to be verified by each school, check school website for detail in late August)
- August 28, 29 and Sept 2 – Family Connections meeting (1:1 meeting with parent/guardian and the classroom teacher)
- September 3rd - First day of school for Kindergarteners (Wednesday so early release)
Espanol
Please click on the link below for the presentation in Spanish
El ISD da la bienvenida a las familias de kindergarten
March 2025
中文
Kindergarten Readiness Guide
Click below for Kindergarten Readiness Guide:
English (translatable) Espanol Chinese (中文)
Japanese 日本 Korean 한국인 Russian Русский Vietnamese Tiếng Việt
Screenshot of Kindergarten Readiness Guide
