In 2002, the Bremerton School Board further closed the achievement gap by offering a free Extended Kindergarten program for a limited number of students considered to be the most academically at-risk. This program combined a double-dose of regular instruction with summer school. Under this model, about 16 students from each elementary school were selected to participate in the program. After just one year, the number of Kindergarten students in the program who reached benchmark climbed from 1% to an amazing 51%. An analysis of the same students at the end of second grade shows that 96% maintained or exceeded grade level expectations.
Then, in 2006, the School Board took another dramatic leap. Knowing that more children could benefit from a full day of instruction, they launched Kitsap County's first Free All-Day Kindergarten program. This program is available to all families regardless of academic need. Teachers useWalk To Read andWalk To Math models (where students are divided into smaller groups for instruction) to provide additional enrichment and practice opportunities, build basic literacy skills, and keep students engaged. The longer day also gives students and teachers extra time for other core subjects like Language Arts, Science, and Music.
Free all-day Kindergarten is offered at all Bremerton elementary schools and is available to all students, regardless of where they live. Priority will be given to District residents, families who have child care in Bremerton, and residents of Jackson Park Naval housing. Out-of-District students will be accepted as space permits.
By state law, children who turn five by August 31, 2010 are eligible for Kindergarten. Registration for the 2010-11 school year is currently going on and placement will be based on school/classroom availability. Enrollment for next year, will begin in February at each elementary school or the district office located at 134 Marion Avenue N. Please remember to register early, as classes fill up fast.
Bremerton Schools are also pleased to offer students a regular half-day Kindergarten program. This program is only available during a morning session.
Children who turn five between September 1st and October 31st may also be eligible for Kindergarten, if they pass an Early Entrance Test. You can register your child for Early Entrance testing between July 26 - 28, 2010, by calling Nora Zollweg at 360.473.1061 for an appointment. There is an $80 non-refundable fee for this test. No make-up tests will be given.
Testing Dates: August 2 & 3, 2010
To find out more about our Kindergarten or our Early Entrance program, please call Special Programs at 360.473.1061.
Bremerton Schools offers a Spanish Immersion program starting in Kindergarten. This program will be located at the Naval Avenue Early Learning Center. This class offers the same rigorous educational program available in our regular FREE All-Day Kindergarten classes, however, students study the Spanish Language. For more information on this program, please contact Linda Jenkins at 360.473.1006.