How old does my child have to be to enroll in Kindergarten?
Under North Carolina General Statute, children must be five (5) years old by August 31, 2026, in order to attend Kindergarten in 2026 – 2027.

My child is advanced so can I enroll them before the state mandated age requirement?
There is a process for enrolling a child in Kindergarten before the mandated age.  For information on the process, please visit this link:  Early Kindergarten Entry Requirements.

How do I enroll my rising Kinder in the Spanish Dual Immersion program?
During the the Kindergarten Registration period, parents will have the opportunity to enter the Dual Immersion lottery.  Results of the lottery are typically announced toward the beginning of May prior to starting Kindergarten in August.

Policy Code: 4130 Discretionary Admission

"Enrollment in the school district generally is limited to those students who meet the domicile or
residence requirements outlined in policy 4120, Domicile or Residence Requirements. However, on
occasion, special circumstances may warrant a student’s enrollment in a different school district. The
board, in its discretion, may admit non-domiciled students into the school district and may release
domiciled students to another school district in accordance with this policy.
All discretionary admissions decisions will be made in a manner that is not arbitrary, capricious,

discriminatory, prohibited by state or federal law or for personal or political reasons."

Policy Code 4135:  Tuition for Discretionary Admissions

When enrolling your child in school, there are several documents that are required.  Please see the list of those documents below and click on the links where applicable.  Do not hesitate to reach out to your child’s school if you have any questions!

• Certified Birth Certificate (the person's name enrolling the child must be on the Birth Certificate, or official documents showing legal custody must accompany the birth certificate)
• Two proofs of residency:
  • Mandatory – Current lease agreement or utility bill (no cell phone bills) dated within the last 60 days.
  • Secondary – Driver's license, bank or credit card statement, W2 or payroll stub, or mortgage payment, dated within the past 60 days.
• Immunization Records
• Health Assessment
• Home Language Survey
• Custody Papers (if applicable)

If enrolling online, documents can be uploaded in PowerSchool, dropped off at your child’s school, or be emailed to the appropriate address:

Park View Elementary School = pvassignments@mgsd.k12.nc.us

Rocky River Elementary School = rrassignments@mgsd.k12.nc.us

South Elementary School = sesassignments@mgsd.k12.nc.us

When considering a school for your child's kindergarten enrollment, asking the right questions can help you assess whether it is the right fit for your child and family. Here are key questions to ask any school you are considering.

1. Academic Program

• What is the focus of your kindergarten curriculum?
• How do you balance academics with play-based learning?
• What steps do you take to support early literacy and numeracy development?
• Are there opportunities for hands-on, experiential learning (e.g., STEM activities, art projects)?

2. Social-Emotional Learning

• How do you help children transition to kindergarten and adjust socially?
• What is your approach to teaching social-emotional skills, such as cooperation, conflict resolution, and self-regulation?
• How do you address bullying or other social challenges?

3. Teacher Qualifications and Class Structure

• What are the qualifications and experience of the kindergarten teachers?
• What is the student-to-teacher ratio?
• Do you have teacher assistants or additional classroom support?

4. Individualized Support

• How do you support children with different learning styles or abilities?
• What is your process for identifying and addressing learning or developmental delays?
• Are enrichment or intervention programs available for advanced learners or those needing extra help?

5. Daily Routine and Activities

• What does a typical day in kindergarten look like?
• How much time is allocated for recess, physical activity, and outdoor play?
• Are there opportunities for art, music, or other specials?

6. Parent-School Communication and Involvement

• How do teachers communicate with parents about their child’s progress?
• Are there opportunities for parents to volunteer or participate in the classroom?
• How do you keep parents informed about school events, policies, and updates?

7. School Environment and Safety

• What measures do you have in place to ensure a safe and secure learning environment?
• How do you handle emergencies or severe weather situations?
• How are discipline and behavior management approached?

8. Transition and Readiness Support

• What do you do to prepare incoming kindergarteners for the school year?
• Do you offer orientation programs or staggered start days?
• How do you support children transitioning from preschool to kindergarten?

9. Special Programs and Resources

• Do you offer dual-language immersion or other unique opportunities?
• Are there after-school care options or enrichment programs available?
• What resources are available for students with special needs or gifted learners?

10. Results and Feedback

• How do you measure student progress throughout the year?
• Can you share examples of success stories from your kindergarten program?
• What do current parents and students say about their experience at the school?