Kindergarten registration begins in Wake; Durham plans welcome sessions

Wake schools starts kindergarten registration period and holds mini magnet fairs for rising kindergartners. Durham schools plans welcome sessions for rising kindergartners.

Posted 4:27 p.m. Jan 13, 2014 — Updated 4:27 p.m. Jan 13, 2014

It's time to register rising Wake County kindergartners for school next fall.

The registration period begins today, Monday, Jan. 13, in Wake County for children who were five years old on or before Aug. 31, 2013. When you go, you'll need to bring a variety of forms with you, including completed registration forms, which you can find online; proof of residence; a certified copy of the child's birth certificate; and other information.

Check Wake County's website for all of the details.

Wake schools' magnet programs also will hold mini fairs for parents of rising kindergartners from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m., Jan. 14 and Jan. 21. During the sessions, parents can talk with staff representing all of the elementary magnet programs to learn more about each school. The magnet application period is Jan. 28 to Feb. 9.

Tuesday's session will be at Highcroft Elementary School, 5415 Highcroft Dr., Cary. The session on Jan. 21 will take place at Millbrook Magnet Elementary School, 1520 E. Millbrook Rd., Raleigh.

(Big, important note: Regardless of whether you plan on applying to a Wake magnet school, Wake parents must register their child at their base school first).

Click here for more information about Wake's magnet programs and this month's mini fairs.

Most other schools in the region don't begin accepting registrations for kindergartners until the late winter or early spring.

However, Durham schools will be holding kindergarten welcome sessions for the 2014-15 school year this month. They will take place from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., Jan. 14, Jan. 22 and Jan. 28 at the Durham Public Schools Staff Development Center, 2107 Hillandale Rd., Durham. Click here for more information. Kindergarten registration in Durham begins in March.

If your child does not make the cut off for kindergarten this year, but you think he or she is ready to go to school, read this earlier post for more information about the process and requirements for early entry into kindergarten. I get emails about this 2011 post regularly. I know it's a hot topic.

Best wishes to all of the parents and preschoolers headed to kindergarten next year.

A word of advice: When you register for your base school, ask if there is an email list, website or blog where you can learn more about what's happening at your child's school. Schools typically will host sessions for rising kindergartners and their parents. PTAs often host a meet and greet for new parents. And often schools will have spring carnivals or events that are open to the public. Those are all great ways to learn more about the school and meet some other families with rising kindergartners.

As the parent of a third grader, I can share that school has been a fabulous experience for us. And, as the mom of a four-year-old who doesn't make the cut off for kindergarten this year, I'll be in your shoes next year. Good luck!

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