Transition to Kindergarten

At GCS, every family has options—starting as early as PreK and kindergarten! Whether your child is curious about music, building things, helping others, or even dreaming about flying one day, they believe in nurturing those interests from the very beginning. From your neighborhood school to a variety of special programs and learning paths, there’s something for every child—because every journey starts with a strong, joyful foundation.

• Your Neighborhood School: The assigned school in your attendance zone.
• Choice Schools & Programs: Sometimes known as “magnet”, these are themed schools that give K-12 students the option of learning in an environment with a specific area of focus. Programs extend into Academically Gifted, Exceptional Children, Multilingual Leaners, Blended Learning, GCS Flex for Homeschool Students, and Pre-K.
• CTE Pathways, Signature Career Academies and Dual Enrollment (College and Career Promise): for high school students looking to excel in an in-demand field and/or earn college credits. An excellent option for students interested in becoming a Birth – K Teacher.

Private schools are independently funded schools that charge tuition and are not run by the government. They have the flexibility to design their own curriculum, set admission requirements, and may be affiliated with a religious or educational philosophy. Families choose private schools for a variety of reasons, including specialized programs, smaller class sizes, or a specific learning environment.

• Dive more in depth in the differences between private school versus public school.
• Listing of local, private elementary school options.

Charter schools are public schools that families can choose for their children. They’re tuition-free and open to all, but instead of being run by a school district, they’re operated independently—often by individuals, groups, or organizations. Unlike traditional public schools, charter schools don’t have set attendance zones, and when more students apply than there are spots available, a random lottery is usually used to decide who gets in.

Homeschool or flexible learning for kindergarteners allows families to guide their child’s education at home or through a mix of home and community-based learning. This approach offers flexibility in schedule, pace, and curriculum, letting parents tailor lessons to their child’s interests and needs. Families may use online programs, educational resources, or join local homeschool groups for support and social opportunities.