Kindergarten Opportunities
All incoming kindergartners, regardless of which program they attend, are required by state law to be 5 years old by August 1st.
Traditional Kindergarten – Curriculum is based on NCSD #1 Curriculum Kindergarten Standards found on the NCSD #1 website at natronaschools.org. Traditional Kindergarten provides enrichment opportunities, such as art, music, and physical education. Students with Individual Educational Plans (IEPs) may receive specialized instruction through the Special Education Program within the Traditional Kindergarten setting. The Traditional Kindergarten schedule is 8:45 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. with two recesses and lunch break. Class size is typically 18 students.
Currently Available: All NCSD Elementary Schools
Requirements: 5 years old by August 1st
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Classic Kindergarten – Typically a two-year kindergarten program. Some children may need additional time to grow and develop. The curriculum for Classic Kindergarten will provide learning in all areas of development (cognitive, emotional, physical, and social) and provides instruction at the child’s level in literacy and mathematics. Classic Kindergarten students will have enrichment opportunities, such as art, music, and physical education. The schedule for Classic Kindergarten is 8:45 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. with two recesses and a lunch break, the same as Traditional Kindergarten. Classic Kindergarten typically has a lower class-size than Traditional Kindergarten. Classic Kindergarten is not a preschool curriculum, nor is it intended as a substitute for the Kindergarten year. After a year in Classic Kindergarten, the student will be prepared to enter Traditional Kindergarten.
Currently Available: Crest Hill and Southridge Elementary Schools
Requirements: Kindergarten Screening qualification, parent permission/request, young five-year-olds.
Classic K Parent Look Fors: Late birthdays (May - July), limited experiences with other children, no or little preschool experience, limited vocabulary, and a qualifying score on the Kindergarten Screening.
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Dual-Language Kindergarten (Spanish or Mandarin) – Some parents are interested in giving their child an opportunity to learn in more than one language. Schools with Dual-Language Programs provide students with half-day instruction in Spanish or Mandarin and half-day instruction in English. Students typically continue in this program through grade 5. Dual-Language Kindergarten students will have enrichment opportunities, such as art, music, and physical education. The schedule for Dual-Language Kindergarten is 8:45 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. with two recesses and a lunch break, the same as Traditional Kindergarten.
Currently Available: Paradise Valley Elementary (Mandarin), Park Elementary (Spanish), and Verda James Elementary (Spanish)
Requirements: Parents must attend an informational meeting, parents work with the school during the enrollment window in January. See schedule for this at natronaschools.org.
Contact: Brett Thielbar, Paradise Valley Principal, for more information about the Mandarin Program at 253–1200.
Contact: Emily Catellier, Park Principal, for more information about the Spanish Program at 253-3200.
Contact: Jodi Frazier, Verda James Principal, for more information about the Spanish Program at 253-1100.