Early Entrance to Kindergarten

Early Entrance to Kindergarten Washington state law requires that students entering kindergarten in the fall turn five before midnight of August 31 of the enrollment year (WAC 392-335-010). Tacoma Public Schools offers an exception testing process for children whose fifth birthday falls between September 1 and October 31 of the current year and resides in district boundaries (WAC 392-335-025). 

Early Entrance to Kindergarten (EEK) is a rigorous screening process to find out if a student is ready to start kindergarten early.  In order to qualify, your child will need to complete and score highly on an advanced series of rigorous assessments and demonstrate an exceptional readiness for school.  To increase the likelihood that your child will have a successful first year of school, he or she will be expected to meet standards at least six months above their chronological age in these assessed areas.

Family's Guide to Kindergarten Readiness          FAQ Early Entrance to Kindergarten   

If your student is showing above kindergarten readiness and meets the age and Tacoma School District boundary requirements, please complete the Online Application in April.   

Applications are accepted April 1-April 30.  Applications that meet the initial requirements, will be called in May to schedule a testing appointment in late May/ Early June.  Applications and appointments are on a first-come, first-served basis and submitting an application does not guarantee enrollment into a program. 

We encourage you to also apply for preschool/transitional kindergarten as enrollment fills quickly.  Please visit Early Learning for more information.  

For additional questions or concerns, please contact the Highly Capable office at hcservices@tacoma.k12.wa.us or at 253-571- 1120.