Kindergarten for 4 years old (apartment, day care, transfer)

[gww007]

We are looking for kindergarten before we move there.
Anything advice is highly appreciated.

Thank you

[golfgal]

In MN children need to be 5 by Sept 1st to enroll in kindergarten. Some schools may test children that are close to that cut off date but they would have to be exceptional or if they are enrolled in kindergarten in another state that allows 4 year olds to be in kindergarten they can transfer in. Personally, I wouldn't rush it. It's no fun being the youngest in the class.

[Kamsack]

Originally Posted by golfgal

In MN children need to be 5 by Sept 1st to enroll in kindergarten. Some schools may test children that are close to that cut off date but they would have to be exceptional or if they are enrolled in kindergarten in another state that allows 4 year olds to be in kindergarten they can transfer in. Personally, I wouldn't rush it. It's no fun being the youngest in the class.

I agree with that our twin boys turned 5 in Feb and are in 3 afternoons/per week school district pre-school. That is enough for them....

[shotz90s]

Originally Posted by golfgal

In MN children need to be 5 by Sept 1st to enroll in kindergarten. Some schools may test children that are close to that cut off date but they would have to be exceptional or if they are enrolled in kindergarten in another state that allows 4 year olds to be in kindergarten they can transfer in. Personally, I wouldn't rush it. It's no fun being the youngest in the class.

Why is that? I was the youngest in class and it never bothered me. Graduated w/ honors as well.

[WoodburyWoody]

Originally Posted by golfgal

In MN children need to be 5 by Sept 1st to enroll in kindergarten. Some schools may test children that are close to that cut off date but they would have to be exceptional or if they are enrolled in kindergarten in another state that allows 4 year olds to be in kindergarten they can transfer in. Personally, I wouldn't rush it. It's no fun being the youngest in the class.

To where in Minnesota are you moving?

To add to GolfGal's note about the age deadline, Minnesota now funds all-day kindergarten in the public schools (in the past, all day was available in many (most?) schools; half-day was free and full-day had an additional cost to families … I think it was about $350 per month per child in South Washington School District (833) a few years ago). Even with that cost to families, most families I know in the Twin Cities (metro and 'burbs) opted for full-day.

More information at All-day kindergarten booming, but should schools have flexibility? - TwinCities.com .

[uptown_urbanist]

Keep in mind that even if you do get permission to put your child in kindergarten before he or she turns five, most of the other kids will be five -- and a sizable percentage will have already turned (or will soon turn) six. I know this is purely anecdotal, but as the parent of a young child in Minnesota myself, I know many parents who chose to hold off on school for their summer birthday kids, while I can't think of any parents -- even those with kids with birthdays very near the September cut-off -- who petitioned to have their children into kindergarten early. In other words, in the average Minnesota kindergarten classroom at the start of school I think the odds are that you'll find find far more 6 year old kids than 4 year old kids (and, of course, mostly 5 year olds). Whether that matters is up to you to decide.

That said, even if you do decide to wait on school until age 5, it is, of course, wise to choose your location with school in mind. Luckily there are lots of good options in the state, so you can really focus in first on other issues -- where will you be working, budget, neighborhood preference, etc. -- and then start to narrow your focus on schools. If you have wish list items like specific types of schools (language immersion, Montessori, etc.), that could also help you to narrow down the list a bit.

[gww007]

Originally Posted by golfgal

In MN children need to be 5 by Sept 1st to enroll in kindergarten. Some schools may test children that are close to that cut off date but they would have to be exceptional or if they are enrolled in kindergarten in another state that allows 4 year olds to be in kindergarten they can transfer in. Personally, I wouldn't rush it. It's no fun being the youngest in the class.

Thank you for the reply golfgal.
Actually, I am not in a hurry for my baby to kindergarten.
It should be preschool ( but not day care ).
We checked Kinerberry hill/ Mini apple and New Horizen but we think it is better to hear some advices.
Anything is helpful and sourceful.

Thank you.

[gww007]

Originally Posted by uptown_urbanist

Keep in mind that even if you do get permission to put your child in kindergarten before he or she turns five, most of the other kids will be five -- and a sizable percentage will have already turned (or will soon turn) six. I know this is purely anecdotal, but as the parent of a young child in Minnesota myself, I know many parents who chose to hold off on school for their summer birthday kids, while I can't think of any parents -- even those with kids with birthdays very near the September cut-off -- who petitioned to have their children into kindergarten early. In other words, in the average Minnesota kindergarten classroom at the start of school I think the odds are that you'll find find far more 6 year old kids than 4 year old kids (and, of course, mostly 5 year olds). Whether that matters is up to you to decide.

That said, even if you do decide to wait on school until age 5, it is, of course, wise to choose your location with school in mind. Luckily there are lots of good options in the state, so you can really focus in first on other issues -- where will you be working, budget, neighborhood preference, etc. -- and then start to narrow your focus on schools. If you have wish list items like specific types of schools (language immersion, Montessori, etc.), that could also help you to narrow down the list a bit.

Totally agree with you Uptown_urbanist.
I will not push my baby to kindergarten that was my bad. It should be preschool instead.
My babay has been studying in Montessori perschool for 2 years.
Actually, we will firstly select perschool for my kid then we will find a good place for family-living.
Personally, we perfer to find an apartment with 2 beds room and 1 bath.
Do you agree that it is better be a little be far away from students area which usually are more energetic during the evening.As you mentioned neighbourhood preference must be considered.
Anyway, we put the preschool on the top list before selecting apartment.

Thank you.

[gww007]

Originally Posted by DaninEGF

I agree with that our twin boys turned 5 in Feb and are in 3 afternoons/per week school district pre-school. That is enough for them....

Could you please share the pre-school name for reference if you do not' mind ?

Thank you.

[gww007]

Originally Posted by shotz90s

Why is that? I was the youngest in class and it never bothered me. Graduated w/ honors as well.

You are great.