Frequently Asked Questions
How much does 4-Year-Old Kindergarten (4K) cost and who can attend?
Ripon's 4K program is free to all children within the Ripon Area School District attendance boundary and to other children through open enrollment. Call the district office at (920) 748-4600 if you have any questions about eligibility.
Do families need to purchase supplies ? Can 4K students get a school picture taken?
- Yes. The supply list for 4K is included in the lists on the Elementary Back to School page. Families should note that there is an optional fee of $15 for the school to purchase classroom supplies. SEE THE LISTS HERE
- Yes. We encourage families to take advantage of our school picture options. Picture days are in August as well as one day at school in early fall. Details are available on the Elementary Back to School page.
What is the age cutoff to attend?
4K is for children who are 4 years old on or before September 1. There is no early admission process for the District's 4K program. There are 3- year -old programming options available in Ripon at the Children's Learning Center (920) 748-9500, Head Start (920) 398-3907, Grace Preschool (920) 748-5465, and Discovery Preschool (920) 748-3493.
What are the hours for full-day 4K?
- 4K runs Monday - Thursday. There are no classes on Fridays
- The first bell is at 8:05 AM and the dismissal bell is at 3:13 PM.
- 4K students will follow the same start and end schedule as Barlow Park Charter and Journey Project School.
Are there any opportunities for child care on Fridays when 4K is not in session?
RASD does not offer child care on Fridays but other local child care facilities such as Ripon Children's Learning Center (920) 748-9500, and Discovery Preschool (920) 748-34936 offer Friday options.
What if I am only interested in a half-day of 4K for my child?
RASD will offer a morning-only option for children who are not ready for a full-day program. Families will have the opportunity to switch to the full-day program at any time.
Will transportation be available?
Before-school and after-school bussing will be provided just as it is provided for all Ripon elementary children. See our Transportation Page for further details. There will not be a midday route.
What does a typical day look like for a 4K student?
Morning programming includes breakfast, a morning meeting, literacy, math, and play. Afternoon programming will include lunch, rest and relaxation, play, snack break, and science or social studies. This schedule ensures that students enrolled in the morning half-day program will not miss any core instruction if not there in the afternoon.
Will there be a rest time?
Yes. There will be a midday rest and relaxation time each day after lunch.
Will breakfast, lunch and snacks be provided?
Free breakfast, free lunch and a free afternoon snack milk are provided to all 4K students. Families donate the food for the afternoon snack break.
Is attendance mandatory for 4K?
While positive attendance habits are encouraged for our youngest learners, attendance in a 4K program is not mandatory.
Will there be screening opportunities to let me know if my child is ready for 4K?
RASD does offer Child Development Days in the fall to screen children whose families have concerns about their development. Children are also invited to attend one of the district's 3-Year-Old Birthday Celebrations. Several are offered each year. To reserve your spot at a 3-Year-Old Birthday Celebration please call the Barlow Park Journey Office at (920) 748-1550.
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