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2025-2026 Kindergarten and First Grade Enrollment and Early Entrance

Enrollment and Early Entrance to Kindergarten or 1st Grade

Welcome to South Madison's Kindergarten and First Grade Enrollment page! We are excited to welcome your child to our vibrant and inclusive learning community. 

The South Madison Community School Corporation (SMCSC) is committed to ensuring equitable treatment and proper placement for all students. To help parents navigate kindergarten and first-grade enrollment requirements, the following guidelines outline the process.

We provide a tuition-free program that meets five days a week. Our curriculum is designed to foster holistic development through a variety of engaging learning experiences that focus on:

  • Literacy Skills: Oral communication, reading, and writing.
  • Mathematics: Number sense, computation, and modeling.
  • General Knowledge: Understanding community roles, time, national symbols, and the physical world.
  • Process Skills: Perseverance, problem-solving, and precision.
  • Social Skills: Collaboration, creativity, critical thinking, and building self-confidence.
  • Physical Health: Sensory-motor skills and healthy habits.

In addition to core academics, we provide enriching experiences in art, music, STEM, and physical education. Your child will also have access to our fantastic library, where they can explore books and engage in learning activities that foster curiosity and a love for reading.

Our dedicated teachers, support staff, and administrators recognize that every child is unique, and we are committed to nurturing their growth and development with care and attention.

 

Kindergarten Entrance Requirements

Indiana state law (I.C. 20-33-2-7) requires that students must be at least five (5) years of age on or before August 1 to enroll in kindergarten. Additionally, the South Madison School Board’s Entrance Requirement, Policy 5112, states that:

  • Kindergarten students must be five (5) years old on or before August 1.
    • This requirement applies to students transferring from private or public schools in other localities.
  • The child must be of legal settlement within the SMCSC district
    • Families wishing to enroll but who do not live within the legal settlement may apply through the Non-Resident application process. See the link below.

While meeting the state age requirement is generally recommended, South Madison recognizes that some children may be socially, emotionally, and academically prepared for kindergarten before turning five by August 1. See the link below.

 

First-Grade Entrance Requirements

Indiana state law (I.C. 20-33-2-7) requires that students must be at least six (6) years of age on or before August 1 to enroll in first grade. Additionally, the South Madison School Board’s Entrance Requirement, Policy 5112, states that:

  • First-grade students must be six (6) years old on or before August 1 and must be of legal settlement within the South Madison Community School Corporation.
  • This requirement applies to students transferring from private or public schools in other localities.
  • Families wishing to enroll, but who do not live within the legal settlement, may apply through the Non-Resident application process. See the link below.
  • Students who have not attended a Kindergarten program will be screened to determine appropriate placement. Determination will be based on screening data. If your child did not attend kindergarten, please complete the form in the link below.

While meeting the state age requirement is generally recommended,  South Madison recognizes that some children may be socially, emotionally, and academically prepared for first grade without attending kindergarten. See the link below.

 

REGISTRATION IS OPEN FOR THE 2025-2026 SCHOOL YEAR! 

 

For additional resources, please explore the following links:

We are excited to support your child’s journey to success at South Madison Community Schools!

East Elementary (EES)
Tony Candiano, Principal
765-799-4445  or  765-649-6631

Maple Ridge Elementary (MRE)
Valerie Steger, Principal 
765-778-3818  or  317-485-4957

Pendleton Elementary (PES)
Melissa Hagerman, Principal
765-778-2117  or  765-642-2185  or  317-485-4759