Westport Public Schools Releases Kindergarten Registration Information

WESTPORT, CT — With state statutes recently changing on enrollment, Westport Public Schools has released updated information on registering children for the 2025-26 school year.

Below is correspondence to parents and caregivers from Anthony Buono, Ph.D., Assistant Superintendent of Teaching and Learning, and Michael Rizzo, Assistant Superintendent for Pupil Personnel Services, spelling out some of the changes:

Dear Parents and Caregivers:

Beginning July 1, 2024, Connecticut General Statute requires that children turn five years old on or before September 1st of the school year in order to enroll in kindergarten. For the 2024-2025 school year, the district implemented a one-year transition plan to assist families in navigating this change. However, beyond the 2024-2025 school year, any child who is not five years old on or before September 1st of any year, will not be eligible to enroll in kindergarten.

Parents of a child who turns five on or before September 1st, but wish to withhold their child from kindergarten, must sign a waiver. The waiver is effective for one school year. If you are interested in pursuing this waiver, please contact the Assistant Superintendent for Pupil Personnel Services (203-341-1253).

Additionally, the Westport Public Schools has a process for early kindergarten entrance for those children who may have exceptional performance, including performance in the top 1% of cognitive functioning, superior linguistic competence, reading skills, and social/emotional development. The process for the Early Kindergarten entrance can be found on our website. If you have questions regarding this process, you may contact the Principal of your child’s neighborhood school or the Assistant Superintendent for Pupil Personnel Services.

We look forward to having your child join our school community for the 2025-2026 school year or anytime thereafter. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions or if we can be of any assistance.

Best,

Anthony Buono, Ph.D.
Assistant Superintendent of Teaching and Learning

Michael Rizzo
Assistant Superintendent for Pupil Personnel Services