Exceptions to Entrance Requirements
First Grade Entrance Age Requirement
Students must be six years old on or before August 31 of the school year if they wish to be admitted to first grade - unless they have successfully completed a Washington state approved public or private school kindergarten program.
- Form 3110.2P – Exhibit A: Certification of Kindergarten Attendance by Under-Age 1st Grade
Applicant must be completed by the kindergarten program, verifying that your student has met the requirements stated in the School Board Policy 3110P. This form should be completed toward the end of the school year after the student has completed the kindergarten program. The Certificate of Kindergarten Attendance form (form 3110.2P – Exhibit A) must be submitted with the student’s enrollment paperwork. It will be forwarded to the principal of the student’s home attendance area school for an assessment to see if the student meets the social/emotional and academic requirements for entry into first grade. The school may ask for a sample of the student’s work.
Please understand that a student who successfully completes a kindergarten program, may not succeed in the first-grade program. The district has the option of placing the student in kindergarten for evaluation to determine appropriate grade-level placement.
Use this link to Private Schools and scroll down the page to find the lists of approved private schools:
- Private Schools webpage (Washington State Board of Education)
Early Entrance to Kindergarten
State and Bellevue School District guidelines require that students entering kindergarten in the fall must be five years of age on or before August 31. However, a child whose birth date falls on or between September 1 and October 31 may enter kindergarten if they meet the early entrance requirements. To apply for Early Entrance to Kindergarten, students must be residents of the Bellevue School District or the student of an eligible Bellevue School District employee. Learn more on our Early Entrance to Kindergarten webpage.