Welcome to
Kindergarten

Is My Child Old Enough for Kindergarten?

Children may enroll in kindergarten if they turn 5 years old on or before October 1 of the school year they will attend.

Early Entrance

Some children who do not meet the October 1 age requirement may still qualify for kindergarten.

Your child may be considered if they:

• Are transferring from another kindergarten program and the principal or designee determines kindergarten placement is appropriate.
• Are 4 years old on or before the district's kindergarten start date, have been identified as highly gifted, and are approved by the district's Early Entrance Committee in accordance with Colorado law.

If you believe your child may qualify for early entrance, please contact your neighborhood elementary school before beginning registration.

Thompson School District partners with the YMCA of Northern Colorado and the Boys & Girls Clubs of Larimer County to provide before- and after-school care for elementary students.

Each elementary school is served by one designated care provider. Families register directly with the provider assigned to their child's school.

Most students attend the elementary school assigned to their neighborhood attendance area. If you are unsure which school serves your address, use the School Locator.

Families who would like to attend a different school have additional enrollment options.

Choice Enrollment

For families who live within Thompson School District and would like their child to attend a different district school.

Open Enrollment

For families who live outside Thompson School District and would like to attend a Thompson School District school.

Visit the School of Choice page for enrollment timelines, eligibility requirements, and application information.

Colorado law requires students entering kindergarten to provide current immunization records or an approved exemption.

*Some students may qualify with fewer doses depending on the age when previous doses were received.

Medical and Non-Medical Exemptions

If your child cannot receive a required vaccine, Colorado allows both medical and non-medical exemptions. Families requesting an exemption must complete the appropriate state-required documentation.

Learn More

• Colorado Vaccine Exemption Information
• Board Policy JLCB-R

Gather the following documents before beginning registration.

Proof of Residency

Provide one of the following:

• Utility bill
• Landline phone bill
• Lease or housing agreement

Proof of Age

Provide one of the following:

• Birth certificate
• Adoption certificate
• Baptismal certificate
• Hospital certificate
• Passport

Health Records

• Current immunization record
• Physical, if required

Additional Documents (If Applicable)

These documents help schools place and support your student appropriately.

• Most recent report card or transcript
• Individualized Education Program (IEP)
• Section 504 Plan
• Gifted identification documentation
• READ Plan :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}

Eligible kindergarten students receive round-trip transportation for full-day kindergarten.

Transportation is not available for students who live within their school's designated walk zone.

Visit the Transportation page to:

• Check transportation eligibility
• Find bus routes and schedules
• Review bus safety information
• Contact Transportation Services

Looking for more information? These resources can help you prepare for your child's first year of school.

• School Locator
• School of Choice
• Transportation Services
• Preschool in TSD
• Annual Family Check-In
• School Supply Lists
• School Directory