Menifee USD Launches Full-Day Kindergarten

MENIFEE, CA — The Menifee Union School District has announced it will launch full-day kindergarten starting in the 2025-26 school year.

The new schedule will run from 7:45 a.m. to 2 p.m., with an early-release day on Wednesdays, when school runs from 7:45 a.m. to 12:20 p.m. Days can go longer for families that opt into the district’s free Beyond the Classroom after-school program, whereby eligible TK through 5th-grade students can receive free extended learning opportunities until 5 p.m.

The expanded educational model will offer additional time for instruction in reading, math, and hands-on learning, while also allowing for deeper engagement in the arts, social development, and classroom routines, according to the district.

In a released statement, Jesse Ramirez, MUSD's director of expanded learning, said, "Moving to full-day Kindergarten is a powerful step toward ensuring all students have access to the time, support, and opportunities they need to thrive. We know that increased instructional time leads to stronger foundational skills, particularly in literacy and numeracy, while creating space for social-emotional development, creativity, and exploration. This shift promotes greater equity and helps us close opportunity gaps — especially for students who benefit from more structure, connection, and time to grow."

Superintendent Dr. Jennifer Root said the full-day shift supports MUSD’s mission "to inspire learning, exploration, and imagination in every student from the very start."

"Early learning sets the tone for a child’s entire educational journey," Root said in a released statement. "By offering full-day Kindergarten, we are creating space for our youngest learners to grow academically, socially, and creatively. This expanded day gives children more time to build confidence, curiosity, and a strong foundation for the years ahead."

Menifee Union School District will continue to offer half-day Transitional Kindergarten (TK) at all school sites. Designed for children who turn 4 years old by September 1, 2025, TK provides a bridge between preschool and kindergarten.

The 2025–26 school year begins on Wednesday, August 13, 2025, and enrollment is now open. Families can find more information and begin the enrollment process at musd.me/enrollment or by contacting their local school office.