Christian County Public Schools has announced a petition process for families seeking early kindergarten enrollment for the 2026–2027 school year, following the passage of Kentucky Senate Bill 24.
Under the new state law, children must turn five years old on or before August 1 to be eligible for kindergarten.
In response to community requests for flexibility, the Christian County School Board has adopted an Entrance Age Policy that allows families to petition for early enrollment if a child turns five shortly after August 1, 2026.
The deadline to submit an exception petition is March 31.
Families must request a Petition for Early Enrollment form from the guidance counselor at their child’s zoned school. Parents or guardians must provide the child’s birth date and the reason for the request. The completed form will be reviewed by the district’s Elementary Instructional Supervisor, after which families will be contacted to schedule a Brigance Assessment — a readiness evaluation used to determine a child’s preparedness for school.
A $25 processing fee is required at the time of assessment.
The petition and assessment results will then be reviewed by the district’s Early Entrance Committee. Families will receive a written approval or denial by mail. District officials note that early enrollment may be denied based on a child’s social and emotional readiness, as well as space availability and funding considerations.
Parents with questions about the process can contact CCPS Director of Pupil Personnel Melanie Barrett at 270-887-7005, extension 77532.
