District 53 follows Illinois School Code, which specifies that to enter kindergarten, children must be five years of age by September 1 of their kindergarten year and six years of age by September 1 of their first-grade year. However, the Accelerated Placement Act of 2017(Public Act 100-0421) requires that we have a process that allows for early entrance into Kindergarten and First Grade for students that demonstrate readiness.

District 53 has specific criteria and procedures for considering parent requests for early entrance. The decision for a child to enter school early can have a profound effect on his or her academic and social performance for the remainder of the child’s school career. It is a decision that needs to be taken very seriously.

Because District 53 takes the decision for a child to enter school early very seriously, the criteria for early entry are very rigorous. The goal is to ensure that children are not frustrated by the challenges of the instructional programs and the effect that early placement might have.

Criteria for Eligibility:

Kindergarten

The child’s fifth birthday falls between September 2 and October 31, as documented by a certified copy of the birth certificate.
The child demonstrates age appropriate social and emotional development as determined by the Brigance Inventory of Early Development III.
The child attains a score of 130 or above on an intelligence test administered by District 53.

First Grade

The child’s sixth birthday falls between September 2 and December 31, as documented by a certified copy of the birth certificate.
The child has successfully completed education through kindergarten at a educational facility recognized by the State of Illinois.
The child demonstrates age appropriate social and emotional development as determined by the Brigance Inventory of Early Development III.
The child attains a score of 130 or above on an intelligence test administered by District 53.

Bourbonnais 53 District