Kindergarten enrollment in KC — dates, documents, choices

Enrollment for fall opens December–February in most KC districts — earlier than most of us expect, and the choice/charter lotteries close earlier still. Here's the checklist we wish someone had handed us.

The documents

• Birth certificate (the hospital one works; order a state copy as backup)
• Two proofs of residence — a lease/mortgage statement plus a utility bill
• Immunization record — ask your pediatrician's portal, it's one click
• Proof of a physical/dental screening in some districts — book January, slots vanish

The calendar that matters

Neighborhood school: enroll in the December–February window and you're done. Eyeing a choice, charter, or language-immersion program? Those applications mostly close in January with lotteries in February — a month of "we'll decide later" can cost you the seat.

Tour at least your neighborhood school even if you plan private — half the parents in our circle changed their minds after walking the halls.