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Get Ready For Kindergarten

Getting ready to start school is a big step on your child's learning journey. It's a time filled with excitement, and maybe a little nervousness, for both parents and kids. Here at National Heritage Academies, we know how important this transition is, and we're here to help you get ready. On this page we've included useful tips, resources, and information to make sure your child has a great start to school.

Kindergarten Readiness Checklist

“Kindergarten readiness” is a term educators use to describe the skills a child should have to help them smoothly transition into their school career. If you're wondering if your child is ready to start, we've put together a list of things your child should know before heading off to school. Your child has probably learned many of these things through simple development.
 

Social/Emotional Skills


Listening and Communication:
  • Sharing and Taking Turns
  • Verbal Communication
  • Listening Skills
Independence:
  • Basic Life Skills

More Info and Resources

Math Readiness


Number Recognition and Counting:
  • Counting and Number Recognition
  • One-to-One Correspondence
Quantity and Shape Recognition:
  • Instant Quantity Recognition
  • Shape Recognition
Categorization and Sorting:
  • Sorting
Pattern Recognition and Repetition:
  • Pattern Identification

 More Info and Resources

Reading Readiness


Alphabetic Awareness:
  • Letter Names
  • Letter Sounds
Sound Awareness:
  • Rhyme Recognition
  • Syllable Recognition

More Info and Resources

Movement Milestones


Fine Motor Skills:
  • Holding a Pencil
  • Tracing
  • Letter & Number Writing
  • Small Object Manipulation

 More Info and Resources
Use our kindergarten calculator to determine when your child will be ready for kindergarten.

When Can My Child Start School?

If you're wondering when your child can start school, you're not alone! Every state has its own minimum age requirements, and they vary.

NHA operates schools with kindergarten programs across nine states. Use our kindergarten calculator to help determine when your child can start at an NHA school.
Kindergarten Calculator

How to Apply

Are you ready to apply for your kindergarten student? Learn more about Open Enrollment and our free application process.

Learn More

Interest Form

Do you have a child ready to start kindergarten, young 5's, or 4K within the next few years, or do you have a question about starting school? Fill out the interest form below and we'll be in touch soon!