Register for Kindergarten
Our classrooms offer caring teachers, safe and welcoming spaces, and the academic and social foundation every child needs to thrive at five and beyond.
Kindergarten
Give your child a great start with kindergarten in the School District of Philadelphia.
Registering for Kindergarten
- Families can register for kindergarten anytime during the year.
- Registration for the 2026–2027 school year begins Tuesday, January 20, 2026.
- Children must be 5 years old by September 1 to start kindergarten.
- If your child is younger, ➜ explore our Pre-K programs, now enrolling.
- Register online or through your neighborhood school. ➜ Find your school
Big Benefits for Little Learners
- Strong early literacy and math instruction
- Social and emotional skill development
- Hands-on creative play and discovery
- Experienced, supportive teachers
- Safe and welcoming classrooms
- Free daily breakfast and lunch
- Learning materials
Register for Kindergarten
In-Person Registration
➜ Apply at your child’s catchment school (the school linked to your home address). Contact the school first to see if an appointment is required. Bring all required documents with you.
Online Registration (OLR)
➜ Complete the enrollment online from any device with internet access. Before starting, review the steps below and have your documents ready in electronic format.
Find Your School
Use our School Finder ➜ to locate your catchment school.
Gather Your Documents
- Child’s birth certificate
- Child’s immunization/shot records
- Parent/guardian photo ID
- Proof of residency – Provide either:
- A deed, mortgage statement, or fully executed lease AND one (1) additional approved document, OR
- Three (3) approved documents if the above are not available
- See our ➜ Enrollment Guidelines for examples. The District may verify residency with a home visit.
Register
➜Get Started – Register Online OR
➜ Submit a paper application with documents in person at your catchment school.
Open House Events
Join us for Kindergarten Open House events—an opportunity to explore schools, meet teachers, and see classrooms in action.
Save the date and check back soon for times and locations.
Open House Day: March 3, 2026
Open House Week: May 11–15, 2026
As an alternative to in-person events, the District offers a slideshow presentation to help families learn about kindergarten transition, readiness, and registration for the upcoming school year.
➜ View the Kindergarten Open House Slideshow
Resources
- Kindergarten Open House Slideshow
Learn about kindergarten transition, readiness, and registration. - Kindergarten Transition Family Activity Hub
Activities, stories, and resources to support your child’s transition to kindergarten. - Conquering Kindergarten for Families
Guides for families and teachers to build children’s social and emotional skills. - Conquering Kindergarten Social-Emotional Toolkit
Create a personalized toolkit with tips, activities, and reading lists. - Kindergarten Readiness
Helpful tools to prepare your child for a strong start in kindergarten.
Video Tutorials
FAQs
What are the age/eligibility requirements for Kindergarten?
A child must be 5 years old on or before September 1st of the year they wish to enroll in Kindergarten.
What is the deadline to enroll children in Kindergarten?
The process for enrolling children in kindergarten is ongoing. However, completing registration by May 31 is strongly recommended.
There are limited seats per school and seats can fill quickly. Registering early gives you the best chance for a seat at your preferred school, and allows schools to be well-prepared for the new school year.
How can I learn more about Kindergarten at my neighborhood school?
Attend an Open House to learn more about kindergarten and meet school staff. More information can be found on the Thrive at Five website.
What do I need to register my child for kindergarten?
View our Registration Guidelines for specific examples of the documents needed to register.
How do I know what my catchment (neighborhood) school is?
Use our online map to find your school, based on your address.
What if I want my child to attend a school outside my catchment area?
For the current school year, families must always register their child for Kindergarten in the neighborhood school.
The School Selection Process is for students and families who wish to apply to a school outside of their neighborhood boundaries for admission into grades K-12 for the following school year. For more information visit the District’s School Selection webpage.
Is kindergarten full day?
Kindergarten is a full-day program. The hours are the same as the rest of the school population.
When will I hear from my child’s teacher?
Your child’s teacher will be in touch right before the school year starts. They will call to set up a Family Interview, a time for them to start getting to know your child and family.
Are uniforms required for Kindergarten students?
For school uniform information click here to access your child’s school uniform colors and policy. Once you have accessed the uniform page, click on the School drop-down menu or use the School Directory menu.
Please contact your child’s school to confirm the information before purchasing your child’s uniform.
Who do I contact about school supplies?
For questions about school supplies and other school-related concerns, please contact your catchment school.
What if my child needs learning support or specialized services?
Click here for more information about The Office of Diverse Learners or call 215-400-4170.
Is transportation provided for kindergarten children?
Families must provide transportation for Kindergarten children. However, transportation is provided ONLY for Kindergarten students whose IEP qualifies them for this service. Please refer to the Office of Transportation’s webpage for more information.
Who can I contact for services?
Questions about Kindergarten Registration Policies or the Online Registration System? Contact the Office of Student Enrollment & Placement at 215-400-4290 or email osep@philasd.org.
Need Multilingual Family Support? Reach out to mac@philasd.org or call 215- 400- 4180.
General Kindergarten Questions? Reach out to ktransition@philasd.org or call 215-400-4270
Something Missing? Broken Link?