Future-Ready Kindergarten
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Is your child entering kindergarten in 2024 and not currently in preschool?
North Thurston Public Schools is offering a program to provide a free, early-entrance kindergarten called Future-Ready Kindergarten for children who are scheduled to enter kindergarten in the fall.
What: Future-Ready Kindergarten is a transitional kindergarten program that will focus on essential academic and social-emotional skills needed for school.
When: Classes for the 2023-24 school year will begin in December 2023.
Who: For children the year before they are eligible to attend kindergarten. Note: children who are kindergarten-eligible should be registered for regular kindergarten.
How: Applications for the upcoming 2023-24 school year are now being accepted, with additional program details coming soon.
Frequently Asked Questions
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What is Future-Ready Kindergarten?
Future-Ready Kindergarten is a free, transitional kindergarten program that will focus on essential academic and social-emotional skills needed for school. The Future-Ready Kindergarten program helps ensure that students enter kindergarten ready and are meeting or exceeding grade-level standards by the end of the third grade.
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When are classes held?
Classes will begin in December 2023. Future-Ready Kindergarten will follow the same schedule and breaks as elementary schools.
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Where are the classes located?
The program will be offered at
- Chambers Prairie Elementary
- Horizons Elementary
- Lacey Elementary
- Lakes Elementary
- Lydia Hawk Elementary
- Seven Oaks Elementary
Future-Ready Kindergarten students must live within their school's attendance boundary and will be able to access elementary general education school transportation if parents are unable to parent transport.
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What is the cost?
Future-Ready Kindergarten is free for families.
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Who will teach Future-Ready classes?
Future-Ready Kindergarten classes will be taught by a certificated teacher with paraeducator support.
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Will students still go to Kindergarten for the 2024-25 school year?
Yes. Future-Ready Kindergarten is a transitional kindergarten program. Your child will then start a full year of kindergarten during the 2024-25 school year with the rest of their peers.
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How do I apply for my student to participate?
Future-Ready Kindergarten applications can be completed online: Apply for 2023-24 >>
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Are there pre-screening questions?
NTPS will ask three pre-qualifying questions on the application.
- Is the child currently in a preschool or early learning setting?
- What elementary school will your child attend based on your home address?
- Are they age-eligible for Kindergarten in Fall 2024? (5 years of age by August 31, 2024.)
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What happens after I turn in the application?
Families will be contacted to set up a screening date for their child or notified that their child was not selected.
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What is screening like for my child?
The screening will be done by early learning staff before the child starts the program. Families will be present for the screening. The screening will focus on kindergarten readiness skills. The screening is short and will take approximately 20 minutes.
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How will I find out if my child has been selected?
If your child goes through the screening process, you will be contacted letting you know if your child has been selected or not.
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Are Future-Ready Kindergarten Students Registered Students at NTPS?
All Future-Ready Kindergarten students will need to be registered as kindergartners. After being accepted into the program, families will complete the student registration process, including dropping off registration documents at the elementary school. How registration works >>
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What if I have other questions?
You are welcome to contact your elementary school office.
