NEPN/NSBA Code:  JGAA

ASSIGNMENT OF STUDENTS TO CLASSES-FIVE-YEAR-OLDS

Maine law permits students who are at least five years old on October 15 of the school year to enroll in school. The intent is that these students begin their school careers in kindergarten at this age. 

However, it is recognized that exceptions to this initial placement may be justified under limited circumstances. In such rare cases, enrolling five-year-old students may be placed in first grade at the discretion of school officials in accordance with the following: 

A.  Social and emotional maturity should have been demonstrated such as to predict success in grade one; 

B.  The decision of placement lies with the Building Administrator, appealable to the Superintendent, whose decision shall be final; 

C.  The right must be reserved to the school to administer testing as appropriate to making a proper determination of placement; 

D.  Any such placement is to be conditioned upon demonstrated success and reviewed at appropriate intervals; 

E.   A student who was enrolled in a public kindergarten in another state and was promoted to first grade may enroll in first grade; and 

F.   All exceptional placements are to be reported to the Superintendent. 

The Superintendent shall develop any administrative procedures necessary to implement this policy. 

Legal Reference: 20-A MRSA § 5201

Cross Reference: IKE - Promotion, Retention and Acceleration of Students  

           JFAA - Admission of Resident Students       

                             JFAB – Admission of Non-Resident Students 

Adopted: June 7, 2000 

Reviewed: September 24, 2012 

Revised: September 25, 2023