Alternative Kindergarten
Give your child an extra year to grow and thrive.
The Alternative Kindergarten (AK) program is a full-day option designed to give students additional time to develop foundational academic, social, and emotional skills before entering traditional kindergarten. This extra year helps build confidence and readiness for long-term success in school.
Your student must be 5 years old on or before September 15 to be eligible. Interested students will be screened to determine eligibility for the Alternative Kindergarten Program.
For the 2025-2026 school year, Alternative Kindergarten classes will be offered at Maple Grove Elementary, Trailside Elementary, and Viola Gibson Elementary School. Your home address determines the school that your student will attend. Learn more about transportation here.
What To Expect
Our Alternative Kindergarten program follows the CRCSD K-12 calendar and the normal elementary school hours (8:50 AM – 3:50 PM) The program is designed to:
- Support early learners at vary rates of development.
- Emphasize growth through both structures and play-based learning.
- Build foundational skills in literacy and math.
- Provide a mix of teacher-directed and child-selected activities
- Support social-emotional growth through positive guidance and consistent expectations.
Key Features:
- Small and large group activities to promote collaboration and confidence.
- Instruction tailored to each child’s individual pace and learning style.
- A focus on building self-control, independence, and responsibility.
- An emphasis on curiosity, creativity, and problem solving.
How to enroll
- If your student is new to CRCSD you will need to complete a New Kindergarten student registration online. During that process, you will indicate your interest in the Alternative Kindergarten program.
- You will be prompted to schedule a screening for your student. Your child MUST be signed up for a screening to qualify for our Alternative Kindergarten program. Screening for interested students typically takes place in the spring.
- After the screening, families are contacted via email with more information on whether their student qualifies or not.
Key Contact
Office of School Supports
319-558-2247
Email Office of School Supports