Kindergarten Program
Students entering Charlottesville City Schools for the first time must register at the school the child will attend. All elementary schools will host a Kindergarten Registration Open House from 3:30 to 6 p.m. on Thursday, April 26, Families attending the open houses will be able to see the school, meet teachers, and get assistance with registration.
Parents who are unable to attend the Registration Open House should register their student as soon as possible - preferably by the end the school year in June. All school offices are open for registration during regular school hours from 8:30 a.m. - 3 p.m. Early registration helps schools plan appropriately for the number of students in kindergarten classes. A free kindergarten readiness box is given to each family at registration.
Frequently Asked Questions About Entering Kindergarten
Kindergarten Admissions
Students enrolling in the Charlottesville City Schools for the first time must provide documentation:
- A birth certificate
- Proof of residency
- A social security card*
- A physical examination performed by a physician within a year of enrollment is required for all K students, even if they have been enrolled in the preschool program
- Completed immunization record
*School divisions are required to accept students who meet residency requirements under ยง 22.1-3 of the Code of Virginia and may not deny a free public education to undocumented school-age children who reside within their jurisdiction because they do not hold valid United States citizenship or a student visa. Questions should be addressed to the Director of Special Education and Student Services at 245-2405.
Required Immunizations for Kindergarten
Documentary proof shall be provided of adequate age appropriate immunization with the prescribed number of doses of vaccine indicated below for attendance at a public or private elementary, middle or secondary school, child care center, nursery school, family day care home or developmental center.
Religious and medical exceptions to immunization requirements are permitted, but documentation must be provided to the school.
- Diphtheria, Tetanus, & Pertussis (DTaP, DTP, or Tdap): A minimum of 4 doses. A child must have at least one dose of DTaP or DTP vaccine on or after the fourth birthday. DT (Diphtheria, Tetanus) vaccine is required for children who are medically exempt from the pertussis containing vaccine (DTaP or DTP).
- Hepatitis B Vaccine: A complete series of 3 doses of hepatitis B vaccine is required for all children.
- Measles, Mumps, & Rubella (MMR) Vaccine: A minimum of 2 measles, 2 mumps, and 1 rubella are required. (Most children receive 2 doses of each because the vaccine usually administered is the combination vaccine MMR). First dose must be administered at age 12 months or older. Second dose of vaccine must be administered prior to entering kindergarten but can be administered at any time after the minimum interval between dose 1 and dose 2.
- Polio Vaccine: A minimum of 4 doses of polio vaccine. One dose must be administered on or after the fourth birthday.
- Varicella (Chickenpox) Vaccine: All susceptible children born on and after January 1, 1997, shall be required to have one dose of chickenpox vaccine administered at age 12 months or older. Effective March 3, 2010, a second dose must be administered prior to entering kindergarten but can be administered at any time after the minimum interval between dose 1 and dose 2.
Click here for a complete list of required immunizations for all grade levels.
Out of Division Enrollment
The Charlottesville City School Division permits out-of-division families to apply for enrollment and to pay tuition for students in grades K-12. Contact the principal of the school you are interested in attending to apply for enrollment.