Daughter Misses AZ Cut-off Date for Kindergarten by One Month.

As a school teacher for the last 7 years, I fully understand that. The cut-off date is September 1st. We've actually had kids that miss it by a few days that are not able to start. In Prescott at least, they will test a child to see if they are ready for Kindergarten, but a lot of times, the kindergarten's are just to full to bring in "extra" kids. Another thought is some private and charter schools have a different cut-off date. Good luck!

Charter or private schools don't usually use a cut off date, a friend of mine has her son in kindergarten at Leading Edge Academy, birth date wasn't a concern. I hear some schools in Gilbert will give the child a small test to determine whether or not they can start kindergarten even if their bday is passed cut off, I would say call around and see what you find, it's not fair to hold them back if they are ready!!
Good luck!

All my children waited except one of my children would have been totally bored. She's a grade ahead but I homeschooled them all. If that's an option you can homeschool her. I'd talk to the school and just ask. Maybe there would be a private or charter school that would accept her too. Just brainstorming. Good luck!

My son is August 23rd and I have been asking advice from other moms for well over a year. The majority of them say hold them (even though my female elders...moms/aunts) say put him in. Things have changed. Lots more competitive, more stress, etc. If it's for financial reasons, it's just one more year. Let the schools decide and gear you in the right direction. Her preschool will give you an update in the fall and the spring, so it's too early to fret about if you think she is ready or not, they know more about her development at this point.

Some districts let you do exceptions, but I just don't get why they are still allowing exceptions as broke as these districts are...and riffing the people who will teach your child best.

My advice to you would be to wait until next year. One of my sons was very young, but very smart when it came time to go to school. He passed all tests and even ended up graduating summa cum laude from ASU, but he used to cry because some people would beat him up and others wouldn't be his friend. My daughter was also young and smart, but I held her back after kindergarten - she did okay and the teacher passed her, but she was not very social. When I had her repeat kindergarten, she was confident and sure and would help others in her class. She also graduated summa cum laude from ASU. Let her wait. Confidence and having friends is amazing.

I was a Kindergarten teacher in AZ for five years before becoming a SAHM. I know that there are some schools and districts that will make exceptions if the child can test into the grade level. I'm not sure which school districts those are you'll have to call the different district offices and ask. My personal advice is don't do it. I have had many students who come in with August birthdays and are not ready. I don't mean they aren't academically ready, I mean socially. School is a lot for a little person to adjust to, even at five. Don't rush if you don't need too. They will be better off in the long run if you wait. I think they need a bit more time to mature and become more independent. I hope this is helpful in your decision.

I would tell you to give my daughters school a call, if you did not live so far away. But seeing as you are in Florence, the best bet I think would be to find a good Charter School or Montessori School. (second being my first choice if you can find a good free one!)
THey are usually not as strict on the entrance guidelines as a public school, if they feel the child is ready for school, and not just being forced in.

If you happen to move to North Phoenix, I would highly advise calling Imagine at Bell Canyon. They are a Charter School that has just "redone" the school. New teachers, new curriculums etc. VERY hands on learning approaches, GREAT math programs (Singapore Math) and a Micro Society School/Kids at Hope School. Just FYI... If you have schools in Florence that offer any of these programs, I would start there.

Good Luck!

My daughter's bday is Oct 1st so I can totally relate to your predicament. In her case, she was not accepted in kindergarten - I really don't think you can get around this deadline - and therefore was in "daycare" for another year. However, I put her in Tutor Time and she went through their pre-K program. Because of that, the following school year my daughter was given the option to enter state kindergarten OR go into 1st grade. In her case, she really hadn't learned enough in the pre-K program to be successful in 1st grade at a regular school.

My advice to you is to carefully consider what you want to do with your daughter for this school year. You could put her in a private school or a Montessori school that can be more flexible with admissions based on birth dates. Then you will be in a situation next year when you can put her in regular school and possible advance her to 1st grade there.

Hope this helps.

I see that you've had a lot responses and I don't have time to read them all to see if anyone told you this or not....the Chandler School District offers Kinder Steps. It's for kids who are close but don't meet the cut off for kindergarten. From what I understands it's the same a kindergarten but only offered as a half day class. They do the same work as kindergarted. When the school year is over you can decided if you want to move on to 1st grade or kindergarten. My friend put her son in it (his bday is the end of Oct) and the next year he went to 1st grade. If you're not in the Chandler district, maybe your disctrict has a program that is similar.

Hi M.,

As an OT who worked in schools for 6 years, here's what I'd look for in a child who's "ready" for Kindergarten:

Can your daughter *consistently*:
* Draw vertical (top to bottom); horizontal (left to right); and diagonal lines through imitation.
* Identify most capital letters.
* Recognize some sight words.
* Cut with kid-sized scissors on a straight line.
* Share with other children (this is a developmental, not a question of behavior).
* Wash her own hands (again, developmental).
* Sort objects by color, size, and shape.

If your daughter is missing more than a few of these skills, she is more likely to become frustrated in a kindergarten class, and start off on the wrong foot in school. At this stage development is waaay more important than age.

Good luck!
t

Step 1: Call your school district and ask to have her tested. They usually charge about $75 for this and she'll have to score at a 5year 7 month level. The test is difficult. My son (now a honor student in gifted classes) was denied early entry because he didn't know what the word "desending" meant and couldn't skip in a straight line.

BUT... while you have them on the phone ask what their policy is about admission to 1st grade if she completes kindergarten at a charter school. (Some districts will accept them into first grade, some will make them repeat kindergarten in the district.)

Step 2: Find a charter school that has a later cut off and/or will accept her early. A lot of them go by the calender year and thus the cut off isn't until December 31st.

Alternative: On-line school (unless you work during the day) with homeschooling play groups or the best quality preschool you can find.

Good luck!

We had my daughter "tested" into Kindergarten because she too missed the deadline. We contacted the Gilbert Public schools and they had the children tested over the summer. Check with the school that your daughter will be attending and I'm sure they have similar testing.

Good Luck

Research has been done on this and children do much better if they start school at an older age. This is because teachers tend to confuse intelligence and maturity (giving students who are more "mature" more credit-and opportunities-in the intelligence department). So maybe you should read up and reconsider. Trying to get her in now (even if she is mature, she may be smaller than kids nearly a full year older than her-another mistaken maturity thing) might have some negatives down the road.
Just something to think about.
But if you are really wanting to get her in, some charter schools have different cut off dates. So have her do Kinder at a charter school and then mainstream her for 1st.

Just started my daughter in half day kindergarten this week. she is four and turns five 11/5. In gilbert all I did was call the school that I wanted her to attend to see if they had availablility and then scheduled a free and simple test. So this year she will do mornings and then next year I can put her in full day kindergarten or she can test again to go into first grade.

Hi, I was a preschool and kindergarten teacher at a small Christian school in Peoria until I had a baby. We encounterd many children with the same problem, so this year we started a K4 program for kids who miss the cut off but turn 5 by December 31st. They are in the same classroom as our full day kindergarten, but only attend for half the day. They focus more on phonics and pre-reading/ reading skills as opposed to learning letters and sounds like they do in preschool. It is a more structured day without as much free play time, but with lots of hands on activities so they can still have fun and enjoy learning. The class size is small with a max. of 10 K4 and 10 K. This year there is a total of 15 students in the room. You may want to find programs like this as a way to offer a more challenging curriculum. K4 does not relpace kindergarten. They will still have to be in kindergarten the next year. I have not heard of a way to get around the deadline. At least programs like this give these kids a chance to be with other kids closer in age and at a higher developmental level.I know there are a few other programs like this in the valley. If you would like more information about our school you can go to the website at www.crossofglory.org I hope this helps. I also have an October birthday and took 2 years of preschool. I was always one of the oldest in my class, but I feel like it really helped me in the long run to be more confident and responsible around my peers. Hopefully you'll find the right place for your daughter.

It really depends on the individual school and district. The school I worked for allowed early entry with testing for kids who are at least 4.8 years old. However, that changes from year to year depending on how full our kindergarten was and how much funding was available. Check with your local school first for details. They will be able to advise you on if she is ready and tell you about what she would need to qualify.

My daughter started early in kindergarten early. In AZ the initial cut off is September 1st. Children whose b-day is between Sept 1 and Dec 31 is up to the disgression of the district. My daughter took a test which was free and very reasonable as far as difficulty (To Heather: I'm sorry you were charged especially such a high amount-that doesn't seem right). It was the same test that all of the kindergarten in our district are given to see how much they know before they start- I believe that you can look on the AZ dept of education and see what areas they will be tested on. My daughter scored towards the top of the scale. After that it was a waiting game. If there was enough room my daughter would be allowed to start early. Good luck!
Each district has their own policy as far as early admission.

My son turned 5 Sept. 4th, so missed it by less than your daughter, but he took a test and was able to get into regular kindergarten. I think I've responded to this question more in detail before (closer to when it happened, so it was clearer in my mind :) if you check my other responses.
Good luck!!!

In Gilbert, the child can take a test to get in. I heard the test is hard, so she should be at a high Kindergarten level. Talk to your school about taking the test. If she doesn't get in, there are private schools around that don't have "cutt off" dates. Then she can transfer into first grade at your neighborhood school - check with the school first though.

Hi M.,

My neighbor had the same problem with her daughter. She was able to put her in a Charter School so hopefully this will be an option for you.

We also experienced this in NM, same cut off date of Sept. 1st, however our child's birthday is Sept. 16th and there was no available testing etc. that allowed her to begin school until the following year. frustrating, but a year later I have to say that I am happy, she is 'ahead' of the rest and not struggling at all...instead, she seems to be flying thru everything w/ease. Maybe the school systems have things set up like this for a reason.

Mommy in NM of a now 7year old born in Sept.

My daughter was somewhat close to the same situation and it worked out in her favor. She is one of the oldest in her class and it doing amazing. I have several friends that were in your situation and they are very happy this year with their childs progress. I really believe it will be a great benefit to your daughter.

Arizona Education Code 15-821 states that “a child is eligible for admission to kindergarten if the child…reaches the age of five before September 1 of the current school year. The governing board may admit children who have not reached the required age as prescribed by this subsection if it is determined to be in the best interest of the children. Such children must reach the required age by January 1 of the current school year.”
You might want want to look into that , they do make exceptions you just have to fight for what you want

Updated

Arizona Education Code 15-821 states that “a child is eligible for admission to kindergarten if the child…reaches the age of five before September 1 of the current school year. The governing board may admit children who have not reached the required age as prescribed by this subsection if it is determined to be in the best interest of the children. Such children must reach the required age by January 1 of the current school year.”
You might want want to look into that , they do make exceptions you just have to fight for what you want

Hi my children go to a charter school and I know that the one they go to does accept kids as long as they turn 5 by I belive its December. What area are you in they are located on 67th Ave and southern. If you would like more info you can email me at ____@____.com

Check out some charter schools near you. My friend had the same issue with her daughter. She was very mature for her age, bright, etc. So she had her in a charter school for a year of two and then transfered her to the public school ( so she would have the same schedule).

Hi M.,

You don't mention where in the valley you live but my daughter also missed the cut off date by 10 days. We live in Mesa and found a charter school that basically follows the Mesa curriculum and therefore we don't pay anything for both of my children to go there. The school is Cambridge Academy East at Ellsworth and Brown and their cut off date is Dec. 31st. My daughter was ready to start school and like you I didn't want to hole her back either. She is now in 6th grade and my son is in 2nd. Cambridge also just opened another campus down in Queen Creek this year. Hope this helps.

I know some school districts will do some kind a test to see if they may qualify to go into kinder if they were born right after the cut off date. You might want to go to the school district website or call and see if there is info on that. I hope this helps!! I do know that gilbert school district does testing, but not sure about the others.

I taught kindergarten for many years, and saw so many children that could not attend kindergarten because of the age requirement. I really think that is a good thing. Even though you may know she is bright and ready for school, that just means that next year she will be at the top of her class. I would not rush her going to school. We had a pre-kindergarten at our school, so children could go to that class before entering kg.
As a former teacher, I think it is best to not rush our little ones. There are are a lot of demands on them when they enter kindergarten with benchmark tests, etc. Let them stay little as long as we can, and enjoy those years.

Try a charter school. My daughter went to MAASA in Tucson. Math and Science

I live in AZ but I hate to tell you, there is no way. I understand your problem because my son will be in the cut-off (his b-day Dec. 14th) as well. The school system's rule is a hard and fast one. I'm sorry that I can't give you the answer you want. Another alternative is a private school that may have different rules about enrollment.

I too have a daughter that missed the cut off for K her bday Oct 7th.. Last time I new you will have to check for sure with the school district you live in (mine is Gilbert) & no they don't let you test specially now that there budget has been cut.. Some do have a pre-k program tho that she can go to & then do K next year.. Good Luck..

My understanding is that you can put your child in "private" kindergarten and then they can go to first grade in public school.

My son will turn 5 on September 7th. He only misses the date by a few days. He is going to Montessori school thru Kindergarten and will then go to 1st grade in public school.

I am a Begindergarten/Kindergarten teacher at Mount Calvary Academy in Flagstaff. This program is made for students who are 5 by jan. 1st of that school year. Think of it as early kindergarten/kindergarten/advanced kindergarten designed to meet a variety of student needs. Anyone can go straight from Begindergarten to first grade. I always have a small class, just perfect for this age group. Stop in for a look. You'll be glad you did! J.

There's really nothing you can do. My son has the same problem for next year. He's in prek this year, his 2nd yr, and he wasn't moved up to the class that's for jumpstart to kindergarden, which means he won't go to kindergarden until school year 2011. My son missed the cut off by 3 days, his birthday is 9/4/5.

Since you are a single mom and work full time (i'll assume outside of the home) check your neighborhood and see if any SAHM's are willing to homeschool your child, if your not able to. You can homeschool her for kindergarten and then she can start first grade. I am a child care provider and have a little boy who missed the cutoff by 6 days. We are working on making sure he knows learns everything he would've learned this year in Kindergarten so his parents can have him tested into 1st grade next year.

Developmentally and socially he is adjusted and ready to start. On another note I have a January birthday and started 1st grade at 5 years old. I never went to Kindergarten. I always joke and tell people that is why I never learned to share or play well with others.

I was able to get my daughter into Head Start and because she was was born a little after the cut off date. She was able to go through the program two years in a row. People gave me flack for it but you know she is now in High School and thanks me everyday for doing that as she is high in academics.

Yeah, my kids go to a charter school as well and their cut off is December if they test well. No charge for the test. It is basic stuff, and also to see if they can walk away from mom without crying too... Good luck!