kindergarten cut off dates in NH? (Manchester, Bedford: renting, school districts, college)

[maestramommy]

Is there a chart or link I can go to to look up the dates in specific towns?

[miakelly]

Hi,

I don't know about this. I believe they have to be 5 by October 1st, but I would suggest calling each town office and asking.

If you need a pre-school in Bedford, the New Morning School is excellent.

[AngelaK]

From the Manchester school district website...

"a child must be 5 by September 30, 2008. To register for first grade, a child must be 6 by September 30, 2008."

I think that is pretty consistent throughout the state, but you could hop onto the school districts' websites to double check.

[maestramommy]

LOL! And if you miss the date by one day no exceptions? DD's birthday is October 1st.

[mamaHof3]

In NH are you able to go to a school that is not your town?? My town does not offer kindergarten and if it did I really don't want my children attending school here. Is there a choice in NH??

[maestramommy]

Originally Posted by mamaHof3

In NH are you able to go to a school that is not your town?? My town does not offer kindergarten and if it did I really don't want my children attending school here. Is there a choice in NH??

I haven't heard that there is a choice, but my town has 3 (public) Ks. Is private K an option for you?

[buck naked]

there is no choice in public schools - not like NY for example.


you can petition the school board to go to school out of town once they hit elementary school age, but you have to have a really good reason, such as distance, etc.

if your town does not offer kindergarten, they are not going to pay for you to go to another town


check into private kindergartens - I paid to send my kids because my town did not have kindergarten either.

[NH2008]

Some public schools will allow non-residents to attend for a fee.

[nanciegord]

I've got to put my two cents in, since I'm a teacher. Do not jump through hoops to get your child into school earlier than he/she should begin. In Florida, our cut-off date is Sept. 1. for public schools(age 5 for kindergarten). Almost every year, I have students who began early because their parents enrolled them in private schools (which seem to have different cut-off dates) for kindergarten, and then were able to go into public schools for first grade before turning 6. Never do those students stand out as being particularly well adjusted, mature, etc. There is a reason for the cut-off date! No matter how brilliant a child is, that's only a part of being a good student. Responsibility grows with each year, and lots more is expected of children who are the "proper" age in a particular grade than students who squeaked by using another method. Also, size matters! "Little kids" are thought of as "little kids" by their peers, unfortunately. I am a 100% advocate of having your child being one of the older kids in class in lieu of being the youngest, and I have taught at a great school for 20 years, the last 15 years teaching third grade.
Also, want you to know, my own daughter's birthday is Sept. 7. Our cut-off date is Sept. 1. Because of that, she was the oldest in her class, even though she was reading before she was five years old. I thought of it as an extra year to have her with me before she went away to college! She was extremely smart, but not so mature, so the extra year was perfect for her. Do you really want your child to be a year behind her friends who are getting their drivers' licenses, dating, etc.? She is now 27 yrs old ~ in hindsite, I am so glad I didn't try to get her to begin school earlier (it's always nice to have one thing you're sure of, looking back at one's parenting!) Kids have their whole lives to become who they will ultimately be ~ there is no need to rush. Trust me. I am with lots of kids every day of my life.
Nancie

[maestramommy]

Thanks nanciegord. My daughter misses the Sept. 30 cutoff by ONE DAY. And I'm going to enroll her accordingly. My bday is Dec 1, and I totally felt behind the other kids my entire life. I ended up repeating freshman year of college because I changed majors and schools. Best thing that every happened to me. I'm also a teacher, and I do see the difference. But it's nice to know that sentiment is shared by a much longer veteran. Of course, I know that not every child is the same, but looking at my daughter, I know the extra year will be to her benefit. She's very small for her age, so going a year early would emphasize it even more.

Beside, I have high hopes for my local elementary and have no desire to send her to private school