By Jenni Struck, Admissions Director for Bishop O’Gorman Catholic Schools

Is your eldest child celebrating a 5th birthday this year? If so, it’s time to think about KINDERGARTEN! Starting the kindergarten journey feels like opening the first page of a brand-new book – so many possibilities, a little mystery, and a whole lot of excitement! If this is new parenting territory for you, we’re here to provide you some insight to navigating the process of starting school.

Where to begin:
In the state of South Dakota, a child who turns 5 on or before September 1 is eligible to attend Kindergarten. If your child is academically, socially, and emotionally ready to start Kindergarten, now is the time to consider your options for school.

What’s next:
Perhaps one of the biggest parenting decisions you will make is choosing the right school for your child.

There are many school options in our community. If you are seeking a private/parochial school, you can choose the school that best fits your family’s desires and your child’s unique needs. If you are choosing a public school for your child, your address determines which public school your child will attend. Alternatively, some families prefer a homeschooling option.

Here are a few key considerations when making your decision:

Transportation:
How will your child get to and from school? Public schools provide limited bussing services. Most private/parochial schools require parent transportation. If you have to provide transportation, carpooling with friends or neighbors can make daily commutes more manageable.

Lunch:
Will your child bring lunch from home or participate in a hot lunch program? Most schools offer a hot lunch program, and may qualify for reduced-cost or free meals through the national school lunch program. To see if your child qualifies, there is an application (provided by the school) available to fill out annually. The full cost of a daily school lunch is usually $3.00-$4.00. If your child has food allergies or intolerances, be sure to ask how the school accommodates those needs.

Immunizations:
Make sure your child’s immunizations are up-to-date! Plan ahead to schedule a doctor’s visit for your child to receive the required immunizations before starting school.

Daily Schedule:
What are the school’s hours? When can your child arrive, and when do they need to be picked up? If you are a working parent, you will want to know about after-school care options. Does the school provide an onsite program? Ask about availability, hours, associated costs, and how staff are selected for these programs. 

School Supplies:
Back-to-school shopping seems to be a rite of passage. Most supply lists can be found on school websites or available at local retailers. Be sure to ask about any specific school dress code that is required before purchasing school clothes. Uniforms can be a less expensive option and a less stressful morning routine in the long run.

Holiday and Vacation Coverage:
Now that your child is no longer attending daycare, you will need to consider care for your child on school vacation days and holiday breaks. Be sure to review the school calendar and plan ahead for needed time off or alternate care. 

How do I know if my child is ready for Kindergarten?
While you might associate kindergarten with the beginning of your child’s formal education, he or she has been learning and establishing a foundation of life and academic skills long before you purchased that princess backpack or superhero lunchbox. Opportunities to expose your child to concepts that will help him or her succeed in school are all around you, and easy to incorporate into your daily routine. Click here to view the article by our teachers on preparing your child for Kindergarten!

If you are interested in exploring Bishop O’Gorman Catholic Schools for Kindergarten, click here to learn more or contact our admissions department, [email protected].