Kindergarten Registration
"Ready, Set, Kindergarten!" Family Welcome Event (February 5, 2026)
Dear Kindergarten Families:
You're Invited! Join us at our "Ready, Set, Kindergarten" Family Welcome Event, and gain valuable resources to help you and your child prepare for Kindergarten!
Come see what Kindergarten in Orange County Schools has to offer at "Ready, Set, Kindergarten!" on Thursday, February 5 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the Orange County Sportsplex (101 Meadowlands Dr, Hillsborough, NC)!
We're ready to support you and your child every step of the way:
- Meet representatives from all seven (7) OCS elementary schools and district staff
- Find answers to all of your questions about Kindergarten in OCS
- Explore resources to enroll and support your student
- Get ready for Kindergarten!
Spanish interpretation will be provided.
Pre-Register for "Ready, Set, Kindergarten!"
Reserve your spot by pre-registering for "Ready, Set, Kindergarten!" today! All families that pre-register will receive a free book for their child!
Orange County Schools staff is ready to support you and your student as you prepare for their educational journey!
Find district resources, support and more by visiting the following stations:
- School Nutrition Services
- Exceptional Children's (EC) Services
- Transportation
- Family Engagement and Support Services
- School Health (Nurses)
- Enrollment Support
- Infinite Campus
- YMCA (Afterschool)
- Sportsplex
Fill out our "Ready, Set, Kindergarten!" Roadmap by visiting these tables at the event! Families who return a completed roadmap at the end of the visit will receive a free book.
Welcome to Orange County Schools!
We understand that going to kindergarten is an exciting and challenging time for students as well as families. Orange County Schools is ready to help your family prepare for a smooth transition to kindergarten. We are home to seven elementary schools that are all ready to welcome you and launch your child's educational journey.
If your child will turn five (5) years old on or before August 31, that child is eligible to start kindergarten in the 2025-26 school year. The following information will help you navigate the process of registering your child.
Each school handles its own student registration, so if you have any further questions, please contact your child's school.
Not sure what school your child is assigned to? No worries! Visit our School Site Locator to find your child's base school.
Contact Our Elementary Schools
- Central Elementary
- Efland-Cheeks Global Elementary
- Grady A. Brown Elementary
- Hillsborough Elementary*
- New Hope Elementary School
- Pathways Elementary
- River Park Elementary
Central Elementary
Efland-Cheeks Global Elementary
Grady A. Brown Elementary
Hillsborough Elementary*
New Hope Elementary School
Pathways Elementary
River Park Elementary
Registration Event Information
Step One: Determine Eligibility
To enter Kindergarten in Orange County Schools, children must be five (5) years old on or before August 31. If you child is not eligible for Kindergarten, you may still apply for Pre-Kindergarten.
Step Two: Identify Your Base School
If you are unsure of your child's base school, you can identify it by using our School Site Locator. Please note: Hillsborough Elementary School, our year-round K-5 school, does not have an attendance zone which means it is not considered a base school. If you wish to enroll your child in Hillsborough Elementary School through the lottery system, visit our learn more section.
Step Three: Gather Required Documents
To complete the enrollment process, upload an electronic copy to the online application or provide the documents to your child's school:
- Parent/Guardian State Issued Photo Identification (Preferred) or Passport
- Proof of Domicile in the name of the Parent/Guardian
- Student Birth Certificate
- Custody Documents (if applicable)
- Immunization Records and NC Physical Health Assessment Form
- According to N.C.G.S. 130A-440, every child entering a North Carolina public school for the first time must receive a health assessment. A parent or guardian must submit a physical health assessment (no more than 12 months prior) within the first thirty (30) calendar days from the first day of attendance.
Step Four: You're Ready to Enroll!
Enroll for the 2026-2027 School Year (Upcoming)
If your child is eligible and will start attending Orange County Schools after July 1, 2026, please enroll your child here. Online registration for 2026-2027 will open on Monday, January 12, 2026 for:
- Kindergarten Students
- New students/students returning to OCS
- Reassignment/Transfer Requests
enroll for the 2026-2027 school year
Year-Round Hillsborough Elementary Lottery
The lottery application for year-round Hillsborough Elementary will be open from Monday, January 12 through Wednesday, March 25, 2026 at 3:00 p.m.
Enroll for the 2025-2026 School Year (Current)
If your child is eligible and will be attending Orange County Schools before June 1, 2026, please enroll your child here for the current school year.
Enroll for the current school year
All families seeking to apply for Pre-Kindergarten in Orange County Schools for the current school year, please click here.
Need Help?
- Contact Joy Toellen, Director of Student Assignment
- Contact Sandra Blefko, Family Engagement Coordinator, for help in languages other than English.