All Connecticut school districts have a new age requirement for students entering Kindergarten. Effective in the fall of 2024, children are required to turn five on or before September 1 to be eligible to enroll in Kindergarten.

• If your child turns 5 on or before September 1, 2025, they are eligible to register for Kindergarten and no further action is required. 

In preparation for the 2025-2026 school year, families with children turning 5 after September 1, 2025, may request a kindergarten waiver by following a two-step process:

• Completion of an online waiver request form 

• Completion of a kindergarten readiness assessment to determine eligibility 

Current Hartford Public School Families:

Step 1: 

• Parents of children enrolled in the HPS PreK4 Program who believe their child is developmentally ready for kindergarten are required to complete the waiver form. The form is available here . The HPS Early Childhood Team will monitor submissions on a weekly basis. Waiver requests must be submitted no later than April 30, 2025.

Step 2:

• A developmentally appropriate kindergarten readiness assessment will be administered. This process will involve collaboration between the PreK teacher, the District Early Childhood Team, and school leadership.

• Following a review of the waiver request, teacher input and assessment results, families will receive written notification of the district’s final decision from the District Early Childhood Team.

New Hartford Public School Families:

Step 1: 

• Parents of children who are not currently enrolled in HPS but who believe their child is developmentally ready for kindergarten may request a waiver form during the registration process. The form is available here . The HPS Early Childhood Team will monitor submissions on a weekly basis. Waiver requests must be submitted no later than October 1, 2025.

Step 2:

• A developmentally appropriate kindergarten readiness assessment will be administered. A member of the Hartford Public Schools Early Childhood Team will contact families within five (5) school days of their submission to schedule an appointment.

• Following a review of the waiver request and assessment results, families will receive written notification of the district’s final decision from the District Early Childhood Team. 

Age requirements for incoming PreK 3 and PreK 4 students:

• If your child turns 4 on or before September 1, they are eligible to apply for PreK 4. 

• If your child turns 3 on or before September 1, they are eligible to apply for  PreK 3.

For more information, view the New Entry Age for Kindergarten in Connecticut– Information for Families.  

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