Caldwell County Schools

Welcome to Kindergarten!

Kindergarten registration is held in the spring of each year. A child entering Kindergarten must be five years old on or before August 31 of the year he/she is presented for enrollment. Students enrolling in Caldwell County Schools must reside within the school district's geographical boundaries. However, the district accepts out-of-district students, assuming space is available.

Registration for the 2025-2026 school year opens February 3, 2025. A child entering Kindergarten must be five years old on or before August 31 of the year he/she is presented for enrollment. Enrollment forms will be available on the Caldwell County Schools website.

Kindergarten Open Enrollment will begin February 3, 2025. Parents who wish to transfer their student to a different school for kindergarten will need to fill out Kindergarten Enrollment forms and then fill out a Transfer Request application. Please contact the school your student will be attending if you have any questions or concerns.

In accordance with NC Session Law 2021-117, a searchable website for kindergarten options has been created by NC Division of Child Development and Early Education. This interactive tool helps North Carolina families find kindergarten education opportunities offered by public schools, including charter schools, and private schools. Search results also indicate if a private school has Opportunity Scholarship and/or Education Student Accounts (ESA+) programs. The Division of Child Development and Early Education will update the Kindergarten School Search information each year by June 1st.

You can search for schools offering kindergarten by school name, school type (public, private, or charter), and/or location using county, city, or zip code. Results may be printed or saved as needed.

The schools listed may or may not have current kindergarten openings. Contact a private or charter school directly for information. Public school enrollment is handled at the local level. Please contact your school district for further details.

Kindergarten Readiness Information

When many parents try to prepare their children for kindergarten, they often focus on trying to teach the same skills the child will be learning in kindergarten, such as colors, numbers, and letters. Instead, focus on helping your child and family to prepare for this significant life milestone by visiting the National Association for the Education of Young Children's page transitioning to kindergarten.

We, at Caldwell County Schools, are prepared to support your child's learning and are eager to meet the many families getting ready for this next step. The best way to help your child's learning before kindergarten is to encourage the child's curiosity and learning in many ways, about many things. This includes reading books, talking about the world around them, and answering their many, many questions.

How do I know my child is ready for school?

As long as your child meets the birthdate requirement, schools will be prepared to meet his/her individual needs. Kindergarten teachers know that children come with many different abilities and experiences. Schools have many different resources and support to help each child find success. Be assured that, if there are questions, our teachers will work closely with you to address your concerns and to learn about your child's unique needs. Our goal is to help every child fulfill his/her potential.

Kindergarten Screening

Kinder Screening

Kindergarten screening is a way to help teachers collect some preliminary information about your child's growth and development. This information helps teachers begin the planning process as they consider what supports may help your child transition into kindergarten.

What to Expect at Kindergarten Screening

At kindergarten screening, students and parents meet kindergarten teachers, tour the school, and become more familiar with the learning environment. Representatives from the parent organizations, WrapAround (before and after school program), transportation and the child nutrition program provide information to parents.

For parents to register their child in kindergarten, they should bring the following documents to the Kindergarten Screening:

Personal and emergency information
Verification of birth date --a certified copy of the child's birth certificate or other satisfactory evidence;
Proof of residence (i.e. current utility bill, property deed or rental lease); and
The child's updated immunization record.

North Carolina law also requires that every child have a completed Kindergarten Health Assessment form on or before the first day of school, but no more than 12 months before the date of school entry. Kindergarten Health Assessment Forms are available at schools, doctors' offices, and the Caldwell County Health Department.

You may contact your district school to register for screening and for questions. School contact information and address can be found on our Contact Information page.

How do I sign up for kindergarten screening?

To sign up for kindergarten screening, contact your assigned home district school. If you have a transfer request submitted, contact the school you requested. If a transfer request is not approved after kindergarten screening has been completed, your child's records will be transferred to the home school district.

When does kindergarten screening occur?

Kindergarten screening occurs between February and April to allow teachers time to review the information and begin the planning process for the coming year. The specific dates and times will differ each year based on the school calendar and current school activities. Once the dates and times for the current year are scheduled, information is updated on this page annually and advertised throughout the county.

Kindergarten Registration

To register your child for Kindergarten:

Register Here

Registering Your Child For Kindergarten

To register your child for Kindergarten in Caldwell County Schools, please review the following information.

Registration is held in the spring of each year. A child entering Kindergarten must be five years old on or before August 31 of the year he/she is presented for enrollment.

**Attention Parents: Kindergarten Open Enrollment Will Begin February 3rd. All Parents Wishing to Submit a Transfer Request Will Need to Complete the Kinder Enrollment First Before Making the Request for a Transfer. Please Call the School Your Child Will Be Attending with Any Questions Concerning Enrolling Beginning February 3, 2025.

FAQ

Students enrolling in Caldwell County Schools must reside within the geographical boundaries of the school district. If you are unsure which district you are in, you may find this information Caldwell County Government GIS webpage.
1. Enter Property Address. For the word Street, use St; Drive is Dr; Court is Ct: Circle is Cir; etc.
2. Select Search. Once you have confirmed you have the correct address, you will need to find your assigned school district.
3. Select the Layers tab. Scroll down.
4. Select Elementary School Districts. The map to the left will show the assigned school district.
Caldwell County School accepts out-of-district students, assuming space is available (fees may apply). Information for transfer requests can be found on the Caldwell County Schools Student Services webpage.
Kindergarten registration is separate from kindergarten screening. Registration occurs online and starts the process from your child's records being added into the Caldwell County Schools' student records program. Kindergarten screening occurs directly at the school. More information including screening dates and times for each school can be found here.