Young Learner Kindergarten Options

Effective for the 2009-10 school year Mesa Schools will no longer offer a Young Learner Kindergarten program for children whose birthdays are after the regular kindergarten deadline of Aug. 31. These changes are the result of decisions made by the Arizona Legislature.

However, there will be a tuition-based KinderPrep (English) (Spanish) program similar to the Young Learner Kindergarten program. Students will attend for two and a half hours per day five times a week in a rigorous kindergarten preparatory program. The monthly fee is $240. DES childcare subsidies may be used for KinderPrep tuition. This program will be offered at designated schools in our district.

As a second  option, you may choose to have your child participate in prekindergarten for 3 1/2 to 5 year olds. These classes are sponsored by the district's Community Education Department and will be available at various sites.

Children who turn 5 after August 31 but before Dec. 31 may be assessed in order to qualify for acceptance into the district's kindergarten program.  Early entrance will not be granted once school has begun. Children who are accepted into regular kindergarten will be expected to move to first grade the next year. For more information, parents should go to their neighborhood school.

Finally, you may also choose to wait another year to enroll your child.