Ready, Set, Kindergarten!

Written By Alli Lee

Starting kindergarten is a major milestone for kids and a big family transition. Local schools are now enrolling kindergarten and new students for the 2025-26 school year. If you missed Kindergarten Round-Up or are just beginning to explore local school options, check out this helpful guide to ensure your child is ready for kindergarten in Kokomo.

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What school district do I live in?

Indiana supports school choice, but it’s wise to consider your local school district for ease of transportation and the benefit of your tax dollars. Howard County has five public school districts, four private school options, and a growing homeschool community, giving families plenty of choices. If you’re unsure which district you live in, use this online interactive map to find out. Keep in mind that the enrollment process may differ for families applying to schools outside their home district.

Can I tour the schools or get more information?

If you're new to the area, be sure to contact the school districts you're interested in to schedule a tour and learn more about each school. Below, we've included the location, contact information, and website links for all local elementary schools.

 

Kokomo School Corporation

 

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How do I enroll my child?

Once you’ve decided where you'd like your child to attend school, it's time to complete the enrollment process. Each school district has its own procedures and requirements, but we've gathered the essential information for you.

  • Acacia Academy- Acacia Academy offers daily tours at 11 a.m. by appointment for families interested in learning more. To schedule a tour or find more information, contact the school office by phone at (765) 457-5545 or email acacia@acaciaacademy.org. After the tour, prospective families should complete an application and submit student records. Students will then complete the required assessments, and the school will notify families of the enrollment decision.

  • Eastern Howard School Corporation- If your child will be 5 years old by Aug. 1, 2025, and you’re interested in kindergarten at Eastern Elementary School, complete this form and attend Kindergarten Fun Night on March 19 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the school. Families living outside the Eastern Howard School Corporation district must also complete a transfer request form.

  • Kokomo School Corporation- Kokomo School Corporation – Visit the Kokomo School Corporation website to enroll a new student. The enrollment link will guide you through creating an account and submitting enrollment information for your child. All incoming kindergarteners must schedule and complete a kindergarten screening assessment, which can be arranged during the online enrollment process.

    Students applying to the Magnet School Programs at Boulevard Elementary, Maple Crest Elementary, or Wallace Elementary must also complete a magnet screener and portfolio as part of the application process. It’s recommended that families contact the school directly for assistance with online enrollment.

    Kokomo School Corporation will offer in-person enrollment at each school on Tuesday, July 8. Families living outside the district must also complete an out-of-district request form.

  • Northwestern School Corporation- Families enrolling a child who will be 5 years old by Aug. 1, 2025, should complete a Skyward new student account request on the school corporation website. Applications should be submitted by April 4 to receive an invitation to Kindergarten Round-Up on April 17.

    Families living outside the Northwestern School Corporation district will have their applications reviewed and approved or denied based on grade-level availability. For more information, contact Chelsea Detmore at the Corporation Office at (765) 457-8101, ext. 1100.

  • Redeemer Lutheran School- Enrollment is open for the 2025-2026 school year. Families can complete a request information form on the Redeemer Lutheran School website or call (765) 864-6466 to schedule an appointment with the school's admission counselor. Birth certificates and immunization records should be submitted during your appointment time.

  • Sts. Joan of Arc and Patrick School- Families interested in having their child attend Sts. Joan of Arc & Patrick Catholic School should complete an early enrollment form for the 2025-2026 school year. Questions and tour requests can be addressed on this form or by contacting Brandi Roswog at (765) 434-3442.

  • Taylor School Corporation- Profestive families interested in enrolling a new student at Taylor Elementary School should complete the Taylor New Student Request form. This should prompt additional communication for the 2025-2026 school year. Contact the school directly at (765) 453-3800 for a facility tour or more information.

  • The Children’s Christian Academy- Families can find detailed information about The Children’s Christian Academy on the school website. It’s recommended to call the school to schedule a tour and inquire about class openings.

  • Western School Corporation- If you missed Kindergarten Round-Up and you’re interested in enrolling your  Kindergartener at Western Primary School for the 2025-2026 school year, you can contact the school at (765) 883-5528. School staff will help you schedule an appointment to perform the Kindergarten screening and complete the required enrollment forms. If you live outside of the Western School Corporation district, you will need to complete a transfer request form as well.

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What local resources are available to support kindergarten readiness?

When we think about children being ready for the transition to kindergarten, we often focus on reading level, counting, and recognizing letters, shapes, colors, and numbers. However, there are also important social, interpersonal, and hygienic skills that contribute to a positive kindergarten experience. Consider these local resources, along with plenty of outdoor activities, as you prepare for the start of the school year.

TKP Photo | Alli Lee

The Kokomo-Howard County Public Library

Our local libraries are a valuable resource for kindergarten readiness and early childhood literacy. Visit the KHCPL Website to join in programs like Growing Readers, the Summer Reading Program, and other hands-on art and STEM experiences. Get your family a library card and check out these special tools that build important skills for Kindergarten.

  • Kindergarten Readiness Experience Kits- KHCPL has put together experience kits specifically teaching important skills like “telling an adult what I want or need,” “work through my feelings when I’m upset,” and “follow basic health and safety rules.” They are  in clear backpacks and available to check out for 2 weeks with no renewals from all three KHCPL Branches. 

  • Playaway Launchpads- These pre-loaded learning tablets are available to checkout for 2 weeks from all KHCPL Branches. They don’t require internet access and have educational games or activities about reading, math, music, art, and science topics.

Summer Meal Programs

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In the past, local school corporations participated in the Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) offering free healthy meals to area youth while school was not in session. The program is funded by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and administered by the Indiana Department of Education (IDOE). This is a great time to practice eating lunch independently at school. Children can practice moving through the lunch line, making healthy food choices, and opening their own food containers.

The Very Early Childhood Education Center

TKP Photo | Alli Lee

This free play center is located at 1608 Kirk Row in Kokomo and is the ultimate play space for preschoolers. Open play hours are available on Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday each week from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. This public resource center provides many opportunities for play and learning. The play space includes toys, structures that inspire imaginative play, and hands-on learning activities that encourage building and engineering. Every child from birth to age 5 that visits the education center receives a free book to build their home library. Follow the Very Early Childhood Education Center on Facebook for more information.

Alli Lee
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