Kindergarten Registration | Video

Kristin Clouston | 1/9/2013

Families moving in from out of state may assume kindergarten is mandatory in North Dakota, but it`s not, and classes fill up fast. There are actually only 14 states that require children to go to kindergarten, and as of now there are no bills trying to change that in our state.

They still have to take nap breaks but these five and six year olds aren`t babies, in fact they`ve accomplished a lot over the past four months.

"I`ve learned to read, and we`ve learned math and other things, like we`ve done binders and we`ve done coloring, books," said kindergartener Issi Neufeld.

"They even start to do writing, some journaling, math skills, they`re already working on that," said Shiloh Elementary Principal Sara Mitzel.

Their principal says both first graders and teachers have to meet high expectations, and going to kindergarten can make a world of difference for young child. "With all the requirements and rigor with the common core state standards coming up and the North Dakota state standards right now. Even though kindergarten isn`t mandatory, I think it still helps a kiddo," Mitzel said.

Kindergarteners usually need to be five years old by the beginning of August, but parents who aren`t sure if their children are ready can have them take a kindergarten readiness test.

Shiloh typically allows just 20 students in a kindergarten room, and the school is already getting a lot of calls about next year. "We`re expecting that numbers are going to reach our max and so we are watching it very closely to see if that option would be to move to a third section," Mitzel said.

Administrators says they`ll only do it if they have the space and can provide a healthy learning environment for their kids.

Shiloh is holding an information session for parents tomorrow night at 6:30. You can register your kindergartener with The Light of Christ Catholic Schools and Martin Luther School at any time. Bismarck registration starts February 5. They`re waiting until the new school boundaries have been established.

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