Kindergarten Enrollment
Attend Kindergarten in the WESD!
Did you miss our recent Kinder Sneak Peek events? Don't worry! Contact one of our schools for more information and to schedule a tour!
Early Entry Kindergarten
If you have a child turning 5 between September 1 and December 31, 2026, and plan to have them start school in August, follow the steps below. It's as easy as 1 - 2 - 3!
Step 1
Step 2
After completing the registration packet, you will be contacted to select a screening date:
- March 4 - 2 p.m., Arroyo School, 4535 W. Cholla St.
- April 8 - 2 p.m., Mountain View School, 801 W. Peoria Ave.
- May 13 - 2:30 p.m., Washington Elementary, 8033 N. 27th Ave.
Additional screening dates may be added as needed.
Step 3
After the screening, you will be contacted within 10 days to let you know if your child is recommended for Kindergarten for the 2026-27 school year.
Click the button to learn more about the screening.
Frequently Asked Questions About Early Entry Kindergarten
What is the entry age for kindergarten and what is early entry?
Arizona Revised Statute 15-821 states that a child enrolling in kindergarten must be five (5) years of age on or before August 31 of the current school year. Washington Elementary School District Governing Board policy allows children who turn five (5) between September 1, 2026 and December 31, 2026 to be assessed for possible early entry kindergarten enrollment.
What is early entry screening?
Early Entry screening in WESD uses a Kindergarten readiness tool based on Teaching Strategy Gold rubrics, parent or guardian input, and a team of early childhood education professionals to assess each child’s readiness for kindergarten. During the screening, your child will work with the Early Entry Team for approximately one hour in a classroom-like setting with other children.
When and where do the screenings take place?
Screenings are currently scheduled as follows
- March 4 at 2:00 p.m. at Arroyo School, 4535 W Cholla St.
- April 8 at 2:00 p.m. at Mountain View School, 801 W Peoria Ave.
- May 13 at 2:30 p.m. at Washington Elementary, 8033 N 27th Ave.
Additional screening dates may be added as needed.
Can I stay with my child during the screening?
No, only students and staff will attend the screening. However, you must remain on site for the duration of the screening. Your child will be working with our Early Entry Team in a kindergarten classroom for approximately one hour. During this time, staff from the Washington Resource Information Center (WRIC) will be present to share information about their services and we will ask you to complete our Parent Input Form.
What is involved in the screening?
Your child will participate in developmentally appropriate activities alongside peers, guided by our team of early childhood educators. The Early Entry team will assess basic school readiness skills, including your child’s ability to separate from parents or caregivers, communicate with peers and adults, follow simple instructions, and maintain age-appropriate attention. You will be contacted within 10 days of the screening to inform you whether your child is recommended for Kindergarten for the 2026–27 school year.
How do I register my child for Early Entry Screening?
You can register your child for Early Entry Screening by completing WESD registration paperwork either online or in-person at our Registration Center (3200 W Cholla St) or any one of our 32 school locations. Only students whose parent/guardian has submitted complete registration forms will be eligible for Early Entry Screening.
Can I register for Early Entry Screening if I do not live in WESD boundaries?
Yes, open enrollment students (students who live outside WESD boundaries) are welcome to participate in the Early Entry Screening process. When completing the WESD registration forms, you will also be required to complete our open enrollment form.
What is the cost of the screening?
Screening is provided at no cost to families.
What are the options for my child if they are not recommended for early entry to kindergarten?
We encourage you to enroll your child in a preschool program in order to secure a spot in the event that your child is not approved for Kindergarten in the 2026-27 school year. Washington Elementary School District has preschool programs on multiple campuses throughout the district. You can find information on our website about these programs
- Head Start www.wesdschools.org/education-experiences/head-start-plus
- Early Childhood Enrichment programs www.wesdschools.org/families/registration
How can I get more information?
We invite you to visit our website page on www.wesdschools.org/Kindergarten. On the webpage you will find information about the screening and our kindergarten program, as well as general information focused on preparing your child for kindergarten.