Kindergarten FAQs

Kindergarten Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is full-day kindergarten?

Full-day kindergarten follows the regular full-day elementary schedule.  A study by the National Education Association found that full-day kindergarten boosts students’ academic achievement and strengthens their social and emotional skills. With a full school day, teachers can spend more time getting to know their students and individualizing instruction, teaching outcomes that are challenging for students, delivering curriculum in a variety of ways, and allowing time for purposeful play and discovery.  Students enrolled in the full-day program will also attend physical education, music, art and Explore (STEM) classes in addition to eating lunch and going out for recess. While you may still request a half-day program, it does not allow for as much flexibility within their schedule.

Does the program recognize what is “developmentally ready”?

In kindergarten, the focus is on the whole child through a balanced, developmentally appropriate approach. Teachers foster a caring community where students feel safe, valued, and ready to learn. The cornerstones of early education include social learning through Purposeful Play, early foundational learning through literacy and math, and hands-on learning and social skills development. Daily lessons build early reading, writing, and math skills to set a strong academic foundation and give kindergarteners the tools they need to grow as early readers, thinkers, and problem-solvers.

Are full-day starting and ending times the same as the regular elementary grades?

Yes, the full-day kindergarten starting and ending times will mirror the regular elementary schedule. All kindergarten students will ride the regular elementary bus routes to school. Full-day kindergarten students will ride the regular elementary bus routes home from school and half-day students will be transported home on a kindergarten only bus.

How will the program deal with students who are not ready to be away from home for a whole day?

Kindergarten is a special milestone in a child’s and family’s life which may require big adjustments. It can be filled with joy, anticipation and apprehension for children and their families or caregivers. Children come to kindergarten with a wide range of abilities and past experiences. Kindergarten is a place for children to learn, play and grow.  Our kindergarten teachers are committed to supporting incoming kindergarteners with their transition to a full day school setting by placing a focus on building social skills and routines, while acclimating them slowly into a structured education setting.

Does Huntley 158 have a dual language program for kindergarten?
Yes. Huntley 158's Dual Language Program is an integral component of our multilingual services. Established in 2017, the program has progressively expanded to include additional grade levels annually. For more information about the Dual Language Program, please visit our dual language webpage or reach out to Amy MacCrindle, Assistant Superintendent for Learning & Innovation, at amaccrindle@district158.org.