Kindergarten Registration

  • Online Kindergarten Registration for the 2025-2026 School Year

    Online kindergarten registration for the 2025-2026 school year begins on Monday, March 3, 2025.

    • Returning Students
      If your child was enrolled in Junior Kindergarten (JK) or Pre-Kindergarten (PK) at Suffolk Public Schools last year, you will receive an email with a code to complete the enrollment process. This process includes the data you previously provided to the school. Please use this to register your child for kindergarten.

    • New to Suffolk Public Schools?
      If you are enrolling a child in kindergarten for the first time, please complete the Online Kindergarten Registration using the links below:

    • Eligibility Requirements
      Children who will be 5 years old on or before September 30, 2025, are eligible to enroll in kindergarten for the 2025-2026 school year.

    • School Assignment
      Use the SPS School Zone Locator to determine which school your child is zoned to attend.

    Please complete your child's kindergarten registration by July 15, 2025.

    How do I register my child?
    1. Complete the online application.
    2. Schedule an appointment with your zoned school to finalize your child's registration.
    3. When you go to your scheduled appointment, bring the following documentation for your child:
         •  A certified copy of the State Birth Certificate
         •  A certificate of a physical examination from a physician or a health department - the physical exam must be completed within 12 months prior to the date the child first enters kindergarten;
         • An immunization certificate containing complete dates for DTaP, Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Polio, Varicella, and MMR immunizations. Minimum immunization requirements can be found on the Virginia Department of Health website.
         • Proof of residency in the city of Suffolk (i.e. water bill, gas bill, or electric bill. Driver’s license not adequate)
    4. Complete and return any additional information requested by the principal.

    Philosophy of Kindergarten
    Suffolk Public Schools believes that what children learn in kindergarten should be appropriate for their developmental needs. We believe that kindergarten students are unique and are developing at their own rate. This belief requires us to understand and accept the physical, social, intellectual, and emotional qualities of 5-year-olds.

    Kindergarten provides opportunities for enrichment and hands-on experiences that assist and guide children in their development. A positive approach is emphasized. Children work and play in an environment where they are comfortable exploring, discovering, and engaging in trial-and-error learning to achieve success. 

    Children need an orderly environment with caring, competent adults to guide them. They also need the security and continuity provided by open communication between parents and teachers. The program structure for kindergarten in Suffolk Public Schools is outlined on the last page of this publication.

    What features will be offered?
    The school nurse provides health services. The equipment and materials used in the classroom are designed for kindergarten, and a special play area for kindergarten children is also provided.


    Who can attend Kindergarten?
    The Virginia School of Law says that children may enter school if they are five (5) years old on or before September 30, 2025.

    Compulsory School Age
    Children who are 5 years old on or before September 30 should be enrolled unless the parents notify the school that they will wait a year.

    Children who are 6 years old by September 30 must be enrolled in school. Children who reach their sixth birthday by September 30, 2025, and who were not enrolled in kindergarten previously may be placed in kindergarten or first grade.
    -Virginia School of Law (22.1-254 and 22.1-256)

    Immunizations Required by Virginia Law 

    Kindergarten Required Immunization Letter (English)

    Kindergarten Required Immunization Letter (Spanish)

    For minimum immunization requirements for entry into school and daycare, please consult the Virginia Department of Health website. 

     

    Locally Created Videos:

    Suffolk Public Schools, in cooperation with the Suffolk Early Child Development Commission, created this set of videos to help our youngest students be more prepared for the start of their school life.

    Check them out! 

    A Day in Kindergarten: What's It Like? This video shows what to expect when kindergartners get to school. 

    The Year Before Kindergarten: Suggestions for Parents - This video shares tips and tricks that parents can incorporate into their daily lives to help their soon-to-be Kindergarten students be more prepared for school.