When will registration be held?
Online registration is now open for the 2022-2023 school year. If you are enrolling a child in kindergarten at Suffolk Public Schools for the first time, please complete the Online Kindergarten Registration form.
Once the form is completed, please contact your zoned school to
schedule an appointment to finalize your child's registration.
Spanish Online Kindergarten Registration Form
If you are trying to enroll a returning student, you should receive an
email with a code and information on how to complete the enrollment
process.
Please register your kindergarten student before August 1 to ensure class placement.
Use the SPS School Zone Locator to find out which school your child should attend.
Children who are 5 years old before September 30 can start Kindergarten on September 6, 2022. But first, they need to be registered.
How do I register my child?
1. Complete the online application, and then schedule an appointment with your zoned school to finalize your child's registration.
2. When you go to your scheduled appointment, bring the following information about your child:
•A certified copy of State Birth Certificate
•A certificate of a
physical examination from a physician or a health department - the
physical exam must be completed within the 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)
3. Complete registration.
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 rates. 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 which assist and guide children in
their development. A positive approach is emphasized. Children work and
play in an environment where they are comfortable to explore, discover,
and engage 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?
All teachers are certified and
endorsed by the Virginia Department of Education to teach kindergarten.
Health services are provided by the school nurse. Equipment and
materials used in the classroom are designed for kindergarten. A special
play area for kindergarten children is also provided. Kindergarten
students have rest periods and snack time each day.
Who can attend Kindergarten?
Virginia School Law says that children may enter school if they are five (5) years old on or before September 30, 2022.
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, 2022, and who
were not enrolled in kindergarten previously may be placed in
kindergarten or first grade.
-Virginia School Law (22.1-254 and 22.1-256)
Immunizations Required by Virginia Law
For minimum immunization requirements for entry into school and daycare, please consult the Virginia Department of Health website.