Kindergarten

Entering Kindergarten is an exciting time and a big step for children and their families. It is a wonderful time when children are encouraged to grow creatively, culturally, emotionally, intellectually, physically as well as socially. Parents and teachers work together to ensure transition from home to school as smooth as possible. 

Registration opens January 13!

CLICK HERE for the ONLINE Registration Form.

Full day Kindergarten is offered at the following schools:

• Annie L. Gaetz Elementary
  • Regular program AM only - Monday to Friday
  • Discovery Kindergarten program, 5 full days a week (fees apply)
• Barrie Wilson Elementary - Two full days and alternating Friday's
• Don Campbell Elementary - Two full days and 1 half day Friday
• Gateway Christian - Two full days and alternating Friday's
• Mattie McCullough Elementary - Full days (Monday/Wednesday's or Tuesday/Thursday), or AM only

French Immersion Kindergarten is offered at the following schools:

• Barrie Wilson Elementary
• Mountview Elementary - Program offered AM only - Monday to Friday
• Oriole Park Elementary

Spanish Bilingual Kindergarten is offered at Vista Grande. The bilingual program operates 50% in English and 50% in Spanish and is offered in half days only (AM or PM).

Kindergarten Academy of Discovery is offered at Annie L. Gaetz (fees apply).

At all other school programs, students will be able to attend in classes in either mornings or afternoons, Monday through Friday. 

Programming for young children is based on the following beliefs:

• Kindergarten is to help children acquire early skills in literacy, numeracy, communication and problem solving
• Kindergarten provides children the necessary skills and knowledge for future academic success
• Parents are the most important partners in their child’s education

The word Kindergarten literally means “children’s garden” and recognizes that environment and education contribute to a well-rounded personality. It recognizes the education value of play and hands-on experience. It is meant as a supplement to the nurturing environment at home and encourages the involvement and cooperation of parents in the classroom setting.

While Kindergarten is a time for learning, being with other children and developing new skills, it is also a time where the school can identify a child’s strengths as well as needs. This gives teachers an opportunity to start programming for the individual child and the group as a whole.

Learning in Kindergarten

Alberta Education develops the curriculum for Kindergarten in consultation with early childhood teachers. It describes what young children need to learn to prepare for Grade 1 and provides a foundation for future learning. More information is available by clicking here.

Teachers use the curriculum to plan learning activities that meet the Kindergarten children’s needs, abilities and to assess their educational progress.

The Kindergarten Program of Studies focuses on developing creative expression, early literacy, personal and social responsibility, physical skills and well-being, environment and community awareness, early numeracy, citizenship and identity, information and communication skills.