“Ready, Set, Kindergarten!” Kindergarten Registration Opens, Family Welcome Event Announced

Welcome Orange County Schools Class of 2039!

Starting kindergarten is a moment to celebrate in every child’s life, and Orange County Schools is proud to help families with four- and five-year-old children prepare during our second annual “Ready, Set, Kindergarten!” family welcome event.

Registration for all students who are new to Orange County Schools opened on January 12 for the 2026-2027 school year at www.orangecountyfirst.com/enrollment. Children and families in the Class of 2039 are warmly invited to “Ready, Set, Kindergarten!” to learn all about kindergarten—from readiness to registration, resources for support, and much more. 

The free drop-in event will be on Thursday, February 5 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the Orange County Sportsplex (101 Meadowlands Dr, Hillsborough, NC) in the fieldhouse gymnasium. 

Here’s what children and families will experience:

• Meet school representatives 
• Find answers to all your kindergarten questions 
• Explore resources to enroll and support your child
• Get ready for kindergarten, and get a free book!

Any child who will turn five (5) years old by August 31, 2026 is eligible to start kindergarten in 2026-2027. To help families and children navigate their new school, supportive staff will be on hand from all seven OCS elementary schools as well as school nutrition, transportation, academics, exceptional children’s and student support services, and more. 

The goal is to help families connect with all they need to help their child succeed every step of the way this spring, summer, and all school year long.

The following schools will welcome families at the drop-in event: Central Elementary, Efland-Cheeks Global Elementary, Grady A. Brown Elementary, Hillsborough Elementary, New Hope Elementary, Pathways Elementary, and River Park Elementary.

Enrollment and Transfer Information

For full details on enrollment, or if your child will transfer into OCS (in any grade) before June 1, 2026, get more information and contact our schools: orangecountyfirst.com/enrollment. 

Hillsborough Elementary Lottery

Note: Starting January 12, applications also opened for the enrollment lottery at year-round Hillsborough Elementary. Deadline to apply via the district website: March 25, 2026 at 3:00 p.m. Learn more about kindergarten and all grades at HES at hes.orangecountyfirst.com.