Early Access to Kindergarten

Children who are 5 years old by August 15, 2024, are eligible to enroll in kindergarten. However, children who turn 5 between August 16 and September 30, 2024, have an opportunity to be assessed to determine readiness for early access to kindergarten.

The intent of early access is to identify highly capable children who miss the regular August 15 cutoff for kindergarten entrance.

Early access to kindergarten is a whole-grade acceleration that is designed for the exceptional child who is academically, developmentally, and socially advanced as compared to others of his or her chronological age.

Parents who desire to have their child considered for early access to kindergarten may apply to have their child screened. Students that meet the Tennessee State eligibility criteria for giftedness would be eligible for early entrance. 

The Cheatham County School District is accepting early access to kindergarten applications for the 2024-2025 school year through May 1, 2024.

For more information, contact Dr. Lynn Seifert, Gifted and Talented Coordinator, at [email protected] or 615-792-0585.

The application form is available below. The application can be filled in electronically and emailed or printed and filled out by hand. Forms should be emailed to [email protected].

We will contact families to schedule a screening and notify them if their student has met the eligibility requirements for early access to kindergarten.