District Five accepting 4K applications for the 2016-2017 school year

Lexington-Richland School District Five is now accepting applications for its 2016-2017 4-year-old kindergarten programs.

Potential students must be 4 years old on or before Sept. 1, 2016. Parents of children meeting this age eligibility can apply now by bringing the following to their zoned elementary schools during normal school hours, excluding school holidays:

• The student’s legal birth certificate
• One proof of residency, including current: (1) mortgage statement, (2) lease agreement, (3) property tax or (4) utility bill showing your correct home address.

To apply, parents must visit their zoned schools, fill out an application, and show original documentation. Mailed applications will not be accepted, and families are encouraged to apply by June 30.

“District Five has exceptional 4K classes district-wide to prepare students for success in academia and beyond,” said District Five Coordinator of Youth & Family Services Davida Price. “We encourage all parents of District Five students who will be 4 years old on or before Sept. 1 to apply and have their students screened for basic school readiness skills. Early education is important, and we are proud to offer top quality 4K programs to the community.”

Priority will be given to students with the greatest needs of basic school readiness skills based on assessment. A screening date and time will be given upon completing the application at the zoned school. Students will be screened to assess school readiness skills in May and June of 2016. Parents should be aware that applications and screenings do not constitute acceptance into a program.

In addition to needs-based 4K programs, District Five also offers a tuition-based 4K program. Open to any student in the district; the EXCEL (Exposing Children to Early Learning) tuition-based program requires no screening and offers standards-based curriculum, ability-based instruction, certified teachers and special area classes. The EXCEL program is housed at Irmo Elementary, and an additional site is planned for River Springs Elementary School this fall.

For more information on District Five 4K programs, contact Davida Price or Barbara Coker in District Five’s Department of Youth & Family Services at 803-476-8240. To apply for District Five’s 4K EXCEL program, contact Irmo Elementary School at 476-4200 or River Springs Elementary School at 476-4400.

Additionally:
Kindergarten enrollment also has begun for students who will be five years-old on or before September 1. Parents and guardians of children meeting this eligibility deadline can apply online at https://registration.lexrich5.org. In-person registration is also available at their zoned elementary schools. Required documents include:

• The student’s legal birth certificate
• A current South Carolina Certificate of Immunization, or a South Carolina Certificate of Medical or Religious Exemption
• A property tax receipt or a rental lease showing all occupants
• Two utility bills showing the current home address

For more information on District Five’s 5-year-old kindergarten program or the online registration form, contact your zoned elementary school.