Full-Day Kindergarten

Full-Day Kindergarten provides a less hurried school day with expanded opportunities for learning. In Full-Day Kindergarten, young learners spend: 

• More time to building positive self-esteem, independence, friendships, and trusting relationships with teachers
• More time in individualized instruction to build strong foundational skills
• More time in Physical Education and the Arts
• More time in free and purposeful play
• More time in developmentally appropriate activities designed to keep our students active, engaged, and growing!

Full-Day Kindergarten provides an exceptional opportunity for our youngest learners to grow academically, socially and emotionally in a developmentally appropriate, supportive and engaging environment. FDK provides more time for friends, foundational skills, and fun! 

Our Kindergarten Team is currently planning for next year and the schedule includes: 

• Beginning the day with a focus on social-emotional learning and community-building 
• An extended block for foundational literacy skills and instruction, including phonics, phonemic awareness, word study, writing, and reading comprehension
• An extended Math block to support differentiated learning through direct instruction and games
• Expanded participation in Physical Education (4 times per week) and Encore classes, including Art (2 times per week) and Music (3 times per week)
• Time to form deep relationships with peers and teachers, including friendship-building through lunch and recess 
• Dedicated afternoon time for cooperative and purposeful play
• Expanded content area learning in Social Studies, Science, and Health that is active and engaging

At the beginning of the year, students may take some time to adjust to a full day of school. District 64 teachers are cognizant of the needs of kindergarteners and structure the school day accordingly. Teachers know that the start of the school year will look different than later in the year. Full-Day Kindergarten is designed to be developmentally appropriate, fully supporting students socially and emotionally by including opportunities for active learning and play.

Registration for Full-Day Kindergarten is done at the same time as all other students. You can find more info on our registration page. 

Yes, all children eligible for kindergarten have the option to enroll in the full-day program. A Half-Day Kindergarten program is available in the morning only for interested families. Please contact your child’s school principal if you are interested in a half-day program.

Hours align with our elementary school buildings:

M,T, Th, F: 8:50 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.

W: 8:50 a.m. - 2:40 p.m.

Beginning in the 26-27 school year, we will no longer charge tuition for the Full-Day Kindergarten program.   Half-Day Kindergarten has no tuition fee. The student registration fees can be found here. 

Parents may apply for a fee waiver, which is based on income level, or may set up a payment plan by contacting the Business Office at (847) 318-4308.

Yes! Beyond the Bell will be offered through the Park Ridge Park District.

The kindergarten students ride the same bus as students in first through fifth grade. You can make your transportation selection during the registration process.