Early Entry Kindergarten
Online registration begins on February 17, 2026. You will not be able to register before this date. The registration process closes on May 7, 2026 (No Exceptions will be made).
Kindergarten Requirements
According to the Arizona Education Code 15-821 (C), “a child is eligible for admission to kindergarten if the child is five years of age. A child is deemed five years of age if the child reached the age of five before September 1 of the current school year… The governing board may admit children who have not reached the required age as prescribed by this subsection if it is determined to be in the best interest of the children. Such children must reach the required age of five for kindergarten…by January 1 of the current school year.”
What is Early Entry Kindergarten?
Children who turn 5 between September 1 and January, may be assessed to determine readiness for early entrance into kindergarten.
The intent of early entrance is to identify highly capable children who miss the regular September 1 cutoff date for kindergarten entrance. Early entry is specifically geared for children whose curriculum achievement level far exceeds the norm and who are ready for a full day of school.
In order to be considered for early entrance acceptance, the child must exhibit advance skills (in relation to their grade level peers) in language arts, mathematics, motor development, and essential academic and social behaviors as measured by test administered by the Buckeye Elementary School District.
NOTE: Early entrance is not used to identify or place a child into gifted programming.
Early Entrance Screening
In order for children to qualify for early entrance into our kindergarten program, students must be able to demonstrate the following basic skills. Please note that the list below describes general concepts that are tested during kindergarten readiness testing. Due to the testing being a secure document, we are unable to list individual test concepts or questions.
In addition to testing results, the following key indicators will be considered:
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Early entrance into kindergarten is intended for children who excel in meeting the kindergarten readiness standards -AND- are capable of working independently in a classroom setting with children who are up to 13 months older.
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The needs of the whole child are considered, including social-emotional and physical.
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A child should exhibit a level of intellectual, physical, social, and emotional maturity that is commensurate with that of a child who is up to 13 months older.
Early Entry Kindergarten Registration
Families will be charged a non-refundable $50 fee to offset the cost of additional staff needed for testing, including teachers and support staff, as well as printed reports provided to parents.
- Pay the Non- Refundable $50 registration fee - Pay Here
- Register for Early Entrance Kindergarten Testing
- Attend testing appointment
- Receive email notification of results within 30 days
- If qualified: Register your child, in person at home school
- All communication will be through email.
Buckeye Preschool
If your student does not meet the kindergarten readiness requirements, we recommend considering one of our district's preschool option.
Getting our youngest BESD students off to a great start is one of our most treasured responsibilities. We are excited to offer a variety of programs and services.
