Kindergarten

We are so excited to welcome your little learner to the Class of 2039! Starting kindergarten is a milestone, and we’re honored to partner with you and your child for this next big adventure. Together, we foster a safe and inclusive environment rooted in compassion and understanding.

Glens Falls City Schools are more than just buildings; they are vibrant communities where we foster a lifelong love of learning. From your child’s first day of kindergarten to the proud moment they cross the graduation stage, we are committed to helping them grow, succeed, and become their best self.  

When your child becomes a GF Nation Black Bear, they are part of an environment rooted in:

• Belonging: Every child is celebrated as a unique individual.
• Compassion: We lead with kindness and respect in everything we do.
• Teamwork: We work together to help every student shine.

Kindergarten Registration in May

We handle registration during each school's registration/screening event in May. This is a special time for you and your child to visit the school, meet some of our friendly staff, get registered, and complete a brief screening to ensure your child is ready for a great year.

Getting Ready: Your Registration Checklist

First, your child must be **five years old by December 1, 2026** to start school in September. (If they are still four years old on that date, please take a look at our Universal Pre-K program!)

To begin the process, check the MAP of elementary school boundaries to see which is your "home" school. Then, call the number below to schedule your appointment for the corresponding date. 

Big Cross Street School | Thursday, May 21, 2026 | Bobbi Harris | 518-792-2619 
Kensington Road School | Friday, May 8, 2026 | Anna Whitman | 518-793-5151 
Jackson Heights School | Friday, May 15, 2026 | Stacy Frandsen | 518-792-1071 

What you’ll need for your appointment:

You can CLICK HERE to download the registration packet, or stop by your elementary school to pick up a copy of all the forms you’ll need to fill out. Bring all the completed forms to your registration/screening event, along with:

• Proof of residence.
• Original birth certificate.
• Immunization records (see below).
• Any completed registration forms.

Healthy & Ready to Learn

To keep our classrooms safe and healthy for everyone, New York State law requires certain immunizations. One of our school nurses will be at registration to review your child’s records with you.

Required Immunizations:

• Diphtheria/Tetanus/Pertussis: 4-5 doses (age appropriate)
• Polio: 3-4 doses (age appropriate)
• Hepatitis B: 3 doses
• Measles: 2 doses
• Mumps: 2 doses
• Rubella: 1 dose
• Varicella (Chicken Pox): 2 doses

Need a vaccination appointment? You can visit your family physician or call the Warren County Public Health Department at 518-761-6580.

We also require a pre-school physical exam report from your family doctor. Please bring the report to registration, or be sure the school nurse receives it before the first day of school in September.

Student placement within the three elementary schools

Whether your family joins Big Cross, Jackson Heights, or Kensington Road, you will find the same nurturing, high-quality educational experience that defines Glens Falls.

Home School Priority: Our intent is always to place your child in their "home" elementary school (Big Cross, Jackson Heights, or Kensington), based on where you live. Most of the time, this is exactly what happens!

Balancing for Quality: Occasionally, if a specific grade level at one school becomes full, we may assign new families to a nearby school with smaller class sizes. This ensures teachers can focus on your child's individual needs. 

Siblings Stay Together: If you already have a child in an elementary school, your kindergartener will be placed in the same school.

Proximity: If we do need to place a student in a different building to keep class sizes small, we generally ensure it is within one mile of your home.

Stability: Once your child is assigned to a school, that becomes their school home through 4th grade. We won't re-assign them later. Siblings will always be placed in the same school together.

Usually, this procedure is not considered until after the school year has begun, and when new families are entering the district for the first time. Administrators determine each school’s number of class sections in the springtime, based on expected enrollment for the start of school in September. But as new students enroll and classes become full, those new students and/or families may be placed in another building. This flexibility in initial student assignment is designed to provide the best balance in class size for ALL district children.

Questions?

We are here to help! If you have questions about curriculum or placement, please reach out to Amanda Simmes, Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction, at 518-792-0107.