Lexington-Richland School District Five will begin accepting applications for its 2025-2026 4-year-old kindergarten programs and 5-year-old kindergarten February 10.
Potential students must be four years old on or before September 1, 2025. Parents of children meeting this age eligibility can apply now by bringing the following to their zoned elementary schools during normal school hours, excluding school holidays:
• The student’s legal birth certificate
• One proof of residency, including current: (1)mortgage statement, (2) lease agreement, (3) property tax or (4) utility bill showing your correct home address.
• Verification of income, such as a: (1) recent Income tax return, (2) W-2, recent pay stub or (4) proof of SNAP, Medicare or other.
To apply, parents must visit their zoned schools, fill out an application, and show original documentation. Mailed applications will not be accepted.
“Our district has exceptional 4K classes district-wide to prepare students for success in academia and beyond,” said School District Five Coordinator of Youth & Family Services Davida Price. “We encourage all parents and guardians of students residing in the district who will be 4 years old on or before Sept. 1 to apply and have their students screened for basic concepts, motor and language skills. Early education is important, and we are proud to offer top quality 4K programs to the community.”
Priority will be given to students with the greatest economic and academic needs based on income verification and an academic screener. A screening date and time will be given upon completing the application at the zoned school. Parents should be aware applications and screenings do not constitute acceptance into the program and they will be notified the early part of July of their child’s status with the program. Students who are accepted into the program will be put on a waiting list.
Student eligibility depends on meeting documented family income 185 percent or less of poverty or Medicaid eligibility or after 75 precent of eligible children are enrolled, the student scores below the 25th percentile on two of three subscales on DIAL-4.
In addition to needs-based 4K programs, School District Five also offers a tuition-based 4K program and Montessori Magnet Program. Open to any student in the district; the EXCEL (Exposing Children to Early Learning) tuition-based program requires no screening and offers standards-based curriculum, ability-based instruction, certified teachers and special area classes. The EXCEL program is housed at Irmo Elementary. The Montessori Magnet program is housed at H. E. Corley Elementary and is available for selection during the district’s Choice Application window.
For more information on School District Five’s 4K needs-based programs, contact Davida Price or Kristin Dashiell, Department of Youth & Family Services at 803-476-8250. To apply for the district’s 4K EXCEL program, contact Irmo Elementary School at 803-476-4200. To learn more about the Montessori Magnet Program at H. E. Corley Elementary, visit www.lexrich5.org/hecesmagnet.
5-year-old Kindergarten Registration
Kindergarten enrollment also has begun for students who will be five years-old on or before September 1, 2025. Parents and guardians of children meeting this eligibility can go to the District’s Registration Page online to begin registering your child. In-person registration may be available at zoned elementary schools. Required documents include:
• The student’s legal birth certificate
• A current South Carolina Certificate of Immunization, or a South Carolina Certificate of Medical or Religious Exemption
• A property tax receipt or a rental lease showing all occupants
• Two utility bills showing the current home address
Students who are currently in the 4-year-old kindergarten program and in PowerSchool should not complete the new student process, as current students will automatically roll into 5-year-old kindergarten at the end of the school year. Parents will be prompted to update their information in FinalForms over the summer.
For more information on School District Five’s 5-year-old kindergarten program or the online registration form, contact your zoned elementary school. Visit School District Five zone locator to find your zoned school.
