Washington State law requires a child to be five years of age by August 31 for entry into public school kindergarten. The Auburn School District does choose to have a policy regarding the possibility of early entry into kindergarten for children who reside within the Auburn School District boundary. To be considered for early entrance to kindergarten children must turn five between September 1st and October 31st, and score in the above average range on an early entry assessment. The early entry into kindergarten is considered a whole grade advancement, therefore the standard for early entrance is considerably higher than for the typical kindergarten student entering school.

If you are interested in early entry to kindergarten, the first step is to contact your local elementary school to meet with the principal or the counselor to receive a consultation and an application. 

A nonrefundable $200 testing fee has been established to cover the costs incurred for the early entry process. The district shall provide a fee waiver or a reduction in fees for low income students whose parents are unable to pay the full cost of preadmission screening. For consideration of a fee reduction or waiver, please contact the SSS office at the number below.

The window for early entry to kindergarten for the 2023-2024 school year will be from May 1 to June 21. The application packet with the signature of the school principal or counselor and the $200 nonrefundable testing fee must be submitted no later than June 7 to the Student Special Services office. Assessments will be scheduled June 1-15. All early entry proceedings must be completed by June 21, 2023.

For more information, please contact your local elementary school or call the Student Special Services office at 253-931-4927.