Application and testing process for early Kindergarten entrance

[Anonymous]

We tried for early K because my Sept bday kid had already completed 2 years of PK in DCPS as the youngest in the class, and her teacher said she was ready. She was already reading. The school would not give us any info on why she didn't pass the test. When we asked around, everyone said that our principal never let anyone in early. MD could force her to administer the test but not to let kids in. Kid is now in MS and is fine, though has never felt academically challenged in MCPS (not sure that would have been different if she had gone to K early -- maybe a bit more challenge in the early years, but she would probably be bored now if she were a year ahead).

[Anonymous]

We know a family whose child failed the test 2 years ago and their appeal was successful. Worth a try.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP of 2025-You need to look at the big picture. Being the oldest can build more confidence and leadership skills and having that extra year with you is something really precious.

Being the oldest does have advantages and I agree with that. If I were able to work at home, I don’t think I’ll appeal since I can spend more with my child. But I’m in the office 5 days a week so my child will be either be in preschool or kindergarten. Sending her to private school isn’t an option because then I’ll have to send my oldest to private school. I gave it a lot of thought so I’m going to appeal.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:We know a family whose child failed the test 2 years ago and their appeal was successful. Worth a try.

Do you know how they were able to appeal successfully? My plan is to talk to the principal to get details on the assessment and counter that in the appeal. I also plan to summarize why I believe my child is ready for kindergarten.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:We know a family whose child failed the test 2 years ago and their appeal was successful. Worth a try.

Do you know how they were able to appeal successfully? My plan is to talk to the principal to get details on the assessment and counter that in the appeal. I also plan to summarize why I believe my child is ready for kindergarten.

I'm not that poster but if you appeal I wouldn't be a bully but just lay out your arguments and make it clear you are not a trouble parent. No one wants that parent a year early. They'd rather push you to private school.

I know some parents who have been able to get details about the assessment like they were told their child could not do this math or this reading but others whose schools would tell them nothing except that the teachers had "concerns" and therefore there was nothing to counter.

[Anonymous]

Sometimes the appeal doesn't have a lot to do with the child. The school may have realized that having 1 more child would bump them up to another classroom teacher for the grade.

Just keep good relations with the principal and if that situation arises they know they can turn to you to bring your child for K.

At DD's school people's chances of EEK varied by year. One year they had way too many kids but decent class sizes so no one got in EEK. Another year they had big class sizes but a small grade and most kids got in giving them an extra class and a smaller class size.

[Anonymous]

Thank you for the helpful responses. The most frustrating part for me is knowing my child is ready and not being able to go. I don’t plan to bully anyone to get the results. That method never works and it just pisses people more. I plan to be logical and advocate for my child based on what I believe is best. If anyone has anymore tips, please share.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:We know a family whose child failed the test 2 years ago and their appeal was successful. Worth a try.

Do you know how they were able to appeal successfully? My plan is to talk to the principal to get details on the assessment and counter that in the appeal. I also plan to summarize why I believe my child is ready for kindergarten.

I wish I knew more. I think they had essentially written it off but filed the appeal just in case and were surprised when it came through. It was a super close birthday and I’m pretty sure that was their basic argument. School dependent probably but absolutely give it a try.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:We know a family whose child failed the test 2 years ago and their appeal was successful. Worth a try.

Do you know how they were able to appeal successfully? My plan is to talk to the principal to get details on the assessment and counter that in the appeal. I also plan to summarize why I believe my child is ready for kindergarten.

I wish I knew more. I think they had essentially written it off but filed the appeal just in case and were surprised when it came through. It was a super close birthday and I’m pretty sure that was their basic argument. School dependent probably but absolutely give it a try.

Thank you for replying! My child has a very close birthday to the cut off date.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Thank you for the helpful responses. The most frustrating part for me is knowing my child is ready and not being able to go. I don’t plan to bully anyone to get the results. That method never works and it just pisses people more. I plan to be logical and advocate for my child based on what I believe is best. If anyone has anymore tips, please share.

Denials are not typically about your child not being ready the way a typical 5 year old would be. They turn down lots of kids for early entrance every year who would do just fine in kindergarten, but that's not good enough. They usually only let kids in who are so far ahead that they're already at or past end-of-kindergarten standards, to the point that waiting and going to kindergarten on time would be a big disservice to them because they'd likely be performing multiple grades ahead by then. If that's your kid, tell them that. You want to convince them that waiting for kindergarten will go badly for your kid (and by extension for the school trying to accommodate them), not just that they're ready for K and admitting them will go fine.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Thank you for the helpful responses. The most frustrating part for me is knowing my child is ready and not being able to go. I don’t plan to bully anyone to get the results. That method never works and it just pisses people more. I plan to be logical and advocate for my child based on what I believe is best. If anyone has anymore tips, please share.

Denials are not typically about your child not being ready the way a typical 5 year old would be. They turn down lots of kids for early entrance every year who would do just fine in kindergarten, but that's not good enough. They usually only let kids in who are so far ahead that they're already at or past end-of-kindergarten standards, to the point that waiting and going to kindergarten on time would be a big disservice to them because they'd likely be performing multiple grades ahead by then. If that's your kid, tell them that. You want to convince them that waiting for kindergarten will go badly for your kid (and by extension for the school trying to accommodate them), not just that they're ready for K and admitting them will go fine.

The standard is that kids have to demonstrate above average
Performance academically, socially and physically. It’s not enough to be ready.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Thank you for the helpful responses. The most frustrating part for me is knowing my child is ready and not being able to go. I don’t plan to bully anyone to get the results. That method never works and it just pisses people more. I plan to be logical and advocate for my child based on what I believe is best. If anyone has anymore tips, please share.

Denials are not typically about your child not being ready the way a typical 5 year old would be. They turn down lots of kids for early entrance every year who would do just fine in kindergarten, but that's not good enough. They usually only let kids in who are so far ahead that they're already at or past end-of-kindergarten standards, to the point that waiting and going to kindergarten on time would be a big disservice to them because they'd likely be performing multiple grades ahead by then. If that's your kid, tell them that. You want to convince them that waiting for kindergarten will go badly for your kid (and by extension for the school trying to accommodate them), not just that they're ready for K and admitting them will go fine.

DD's school said they needed to be able to pass the end of K tests so counting, adding, reading some sight words, writing basic things.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Thank you for the helpful responses. The most frustrating part for me is knowing my child is ready and not being able to go. I don’t plan to bully anyone to get the results. That method never works and it just pisses people more. I plan to be logical and advocate for my child based on what I believe is best. If anyone has anymore tips, please share.

Denials are not typically about your child not being ready the way a typical 5 year old would be. They turn down lots of kids for early entrance every year who would do just fine in kindergarten, but that's not good enough. They usually only let kids in who are so far ahead that they're already at or past end-of-kindergarten standards, to the point that waiting and going to kindergarten on time would be a big disservice to them because they'd likely be performing multiple grades ahead by then. If that's your kid, tell them that. You want to convince them that waiting for kindergarten will go badly for your kid (and by extension for the school trying to accommodate them), not just that they're ready for K and admitting them will go fine.

DD's school said they needed to be able to pass the end of K tests so counting, adding, reading some sight words, writing basic things.

Yes that's accurate

[Anonymous]

Thank you everyone for your tips. I will sure emphasize my child’s skills, birthdate, and why it’s a disservice for her to start kindergarten a year later. I really appreciate all the helpful guidances as I’m writting my appeal.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Thank you everyone for your tips. I will sure emphasize my child’s skills, birthdate, and why it’s a disservice for her to start kindergarten a year later. I really appreciate all the helpful guidances as I’m writting my appeal.

Good luck! Keep us updated on how it works out.