Welcome to Fairfax County Public Schools.

Let us help you prepare for that very important first day of your child’s formal education. Here are some facts and procedures about our kindergarten program:

Facts

• Children who are five by September 30 are eligible to enter kindergarten that school year. Parents of younger children can find resources through the FCPS early childhood program.
• A child who will be six years old on or before Sept. 30 must attend school.
• A qualifying parent may elect to provide home instruction for his or her school-age child in lieu of school attendance.
• Kindergarten programs are housed in our elementary schools.
• Some schools offer full day programs and some offer half day programs. To determine which schools have a full day program, visit the schools and centers directory and search "By Special Program" for "full day kindergarten."

Procedures

• Determine what school your child will go to. The FCPS boundary locator service provides the names of the elementary, middle and high schools assigned to each home in the county. To access the service by telephone, call 703-329-9831 and follow the instructions.
• You will need to register your child at the school he or she will attend. General registration requirements and information are outlined. Registration forms are online.
• Contact your child’s school to make arrangements for enrollment. Most schools begin getting information together in late March/early April for parents of incoming kindergarteners and many host an orientation or open house.