Admission to School

Admission to School:

The school board shall not admit any child into the kindergarten of any school of such school district unless such child has reached the age of five years on or before July 31 of the calendar year in which the school year for which the child is seeking admission begins.

(b) The board shall admit a child who will reach the age of five years on or after August 1 and on or before October 15 of such school year if the parent or guardian requests such entrance and provides an affidavit stating that (i) the child attended kindergarten in another jurisdiction in the current school year, (ii) the family anticipates relocation to another jurisdiction that would allow admission within the current year, or (iii) the child is capable of carrying the work of kindergarten which can be demonstrated through a recognized assessment procedure approved by the board. Each school board shall, for purposes of this subdivision, approve and make available a recognized assessment procedure for determining if a child is capable of carrying the work of kindergarten. The school board shall update approved procedures as the board deems appropriate.

(2) The board shall comply with the requirements of subsection (2) of section 43-2007 and shall require evidence of: (a) A physical examination by a physician, a physician assistant, or an advanced practice registered nurse, practicing under and in accordance with his or her respective certification act, within six months prior to the entrance of a child into the beginner grade and the seventh grade or, in the case of a transfer from out of state, to any other grade of the local school; and (b) a visual evaluation by a physician (policy #5054), a physician assistant, an advanced practice registered nurse, or an optometrist within six months prior to the entrance of a child into the beginner grade or, in the case of a transfer from out of state, to any other grade of the local school, which consists of testing for amblyopia, strabismus, and internal and external eye health, with testing sufficient to determine visual acuity, except that no such physical examination or visual evaluation shall be required of any child whose parent or guardian objects in writing. The cost of such physical examination and visual evaluation shall be borne by the parent or guardian of each child who is examined.

Kindergarten Early Entry Rules

According to Nebraska statute, schools are required to admit students who turn 5 years old between August 1 and October 15 of a given school year if the parent or guardian provides an affidavit stating that the child has demonstrated readiness via a school board approved assessment or has attended kindergarten in another jurisdiction in the current year. See EM Early Kindergarten Entrance Handbook here for guidance on the school board approved assessment process.

Required Immunizations and Available Exemptions

In order to attend school in Nebraska, students must have proof of all required immunizations (or a valid exemption as discussed below). Required immunizations include DTaP, polio, MMR, hepatitis B, and varicella.

Nebraska allows for immunization exemptions based on medical and religious grounds. For religious exemptions, the parent or guardian of the said student must submit a signed affidavit stating that the immunization conflicts with the tenets and practice of a recognized religious denomination. A statement signed by a physician is required for a medical exemption.

One Tdap (Tetanus, diphtheria, acellular pertussis) shot is required for entry to 7th grade as well as a physical exam completed by a physician, a physician assistant, or an advanced practice registered nurse, practicing under and in accordance with his or her respective certification act, within six months prior to the entrance of a child into the beginner grade and the seventh grade or, in the case of a transfer from out of state.

For student enrollment guidelines see policy #5002