JGAA: ASSIGNMENT OF STUDENTS TO CLASSES—FIVE-YEAR-OLDS

Maine law permits children who are at least five years old on October 15 of the school year to enroll in school.  The intent is that these students begin their school careers in Kindergarten at this age.

However, it is recognized that exceptions to this initial placement may be justified under limited circumstances.  In such rare cases, enrolling five-year-old students may be placed in first grade at the discretion of school officials in accordance with the following:

A. Social and emotional maturity should have been demonstrated such as to predict success in grade one;

B. The decision of placement lies with the Principal, appealable to the Superintendent, whose decision shall be final;

C.    The school may administer testing as appropriate to make a proper determination of placement;

D.   After placement, either the parent/guardian or the school may request a review, if needed;

E.   A student who was enrolled in a public kindergarten in another state and was promoted to first grade may enroll in first grade; and

F.  All exceptional placements are to be reported to the Superintendent.

The Superintendent shall promulgate regulations/procedures to implement this policy.

Adopted:                April 15, 1986

Revised:                     July 5, 1994;   May 15, 2012

Legal Reference:         20-A MRSA § 5201

Cross Reference:        

IKE - Promotion, Retention and Acceleration of Students

JFAA - Admission of Resident Students

JFAB – Admission of Non-Resident Students