Kindergarten Readiness
Is My Child Ready?
Starting kindergarten is an exciting milestone for families, and GMSD is here to ensure you feel connected and informed every step of the way. From Kindergarten Camps to school open houses, tours, and helpful insights from our expert kindergarten teachers, we’ve got you covered.
To enroll in GMSD, children must turn 5 years old on or before August 15 of the current school year. However, for those who may qualify, we also offer an early entrance screening to identify students ready to start kindergarten ahead of the age requirement.
My child will be enrolling in Kindergarten next year! Click here to let us know.
Begin by reviewing the associated state laws, T.C.A.49-6-201 and T.C.A. 49-6-3001(b)(2)(B), which allows school districts some flexibility in allowing students who are close to the age cut-off to enroll in kindergarten early:
Notwithstanding subdivision (b)(2)(A), if the director of schools finds through evaluation and testing, at the request of the parent or legal guardian, that a child who is five (5) years of age on or before September 30 is sufficiently mature emotionally and academically, then the child may be permitted to enter Kindergarten. (This option for early enrollment is completely under the jurisdiction of the school district. The State Board does not have authority over that process.)
For the 2025-2026 school year, Germantown Municipal Schools will be providing screenings for parents who are seeking early entry into our kindergarten program. Those screenings will occur April 1st - 3rd, 2025. Please contact the Department of Teaching, Learning, and Assessment for more information about the screenings for early entry to Kindergarten @901-752-7917.
GMSD provides early entry screening as part of Child Find. The intent of these screenings is to identify students who are academically advanced compared to their peers.
Is your child kindergarten ready?
Here are some key signs to help your discover if your child is ready for kindergarten.