Mandatory Kindergarten

Effective since July 1, 1992, mandatory enrollment and regular attendance are required of all children who will be five by September 1. The state law allows for two possible exemptions: a one-year “level of maturity” waiver if the parent believes that a delay in school attendance is in the best interest of the child and an exemption for five year olds enrolled in a full-time licensed child care center, full-time registered day-care home, or part-time or full-time Head Start program.

Parents should contact the principal of the appropriate zoned elementary school if they are interested in applying for a waiver.

BCPSS would like to provide full-day kindergarten and pre-kindergarten classes. As facilities and funding sources are available, more schools will offer these full-day programs.