FCPS Changes Birthday Cutoff for Kindergarten Eligibility

Fayette County Public Schools has changed the birthday eligibility cutoff for kindergartners for the 2017-18 school year. Starting next fall, per state regulations, any child who turns 5 on or before Aug. 1 can enroll in full-day kindergarten. The previous birthday cutoff was Oct. 1.

In October, parents of a child who exhibits high levels of academic and social/emotional aptitude may request early-entrance screening if their child will turn 5 between Aug. 2 and Oct. 31, 2017. The early-entrance application deadline is Nov. 1, 2016.

Children will be screened November and December, and placement decisions for 2017-18 will be made by February.

This process begins with an application and screening, followed by possible assessments and a final school decision for determining a student’s ability to succeed in kindergarten.

Minimum requirements include a score of 96% or higher on the screening and academic assessments.

Each school makes the final decision for early-entry kindergarten placement based on a data review and the child’s social/emotional readiness.

Visit www.fcps.net for more info and a list of characteristics of an advanced preschoolers.

For a hard copy of the form, call (859) 381-4741 or email Shavonna Ross. Then mail the completed application to Fayette County Public Schools, attn. Shavonna Ross, IAKSS room 206, 1126 Russell Cave Road, Lexington KY 40505.