4-Year-Old Kindergarten

 
Apply for 4K at WCA (Out of District)
If you are interested in signing your child up for the 2023-2024 school year you will need to fill out the open enrollment paperwork with the state (click here to open enroll).  Shortly after you complete this form additional information will be sent to you by USPS mail.

Apply for 4K at WCA (In District)
If you happen to already live in the Appleton Area School District, then you don't need to open enroll and can signup through Appleton's infinite campus program (click here) or call our offices at (920) 852-5415.

4K at WCA
WCA started offering four-year-old kindergarten (4K) for the 2019-2020 school year.  There are differences between the 4K program and WCA's K-12 program. The 4K program is not a part of the Pearson Online Classroom (Connexus), the K-12 student learning system. It will have its own learning management system.

In addition, computers will not be offered to 4K students. Families will receive a computer if they have students in grades K-12. This computer can be used for the 4K program. If a family only has students in 4K (no other grade), the family would not receive a computer and would need to provide their own device.

What is 4K?
Four-year-old kindergarten is similar to what some may know as preschool or pre-kindergarten. 4K provides young children with the opportunity to participate in a quality early learning program that provides a solid foundation for lifelong learning. Children build the social and pre-academic skills that contribute to future success in school.
 
What are the benefits of 4K?
  • Guarantee of a DPI licensed teacher
  • A curriculum that addresses the Wisconsin Model Early Learning Standards for preschool children
  • Opportunities for early identification of potential learning needs and intervention
  • Expanded parent involvement and training opportunities
  • Additional resources to maintain and build on quality early learning programming
 What does 4K look like at Wisconsin Connections Academy?
  • 4K in Wisconsin Connections Academy is universal for all 4-year-olds and voluntary
  • 4K is a comprehensive child development program providing high-quality learning opportunities for all four-year-old children and their families prior to 5K

Enrollment

Who is eligible for for 4K?

To be eligible for 4K, a child must be 4-years-old on or before September 1 of the year the child will enter school.

Is early entrance into the AASD 4K Program possible?

Early entrance to 4K will not be considered. A child must be 4-years old on or before September 1 of that school year to participate in the 4K program.

Can a student attend 4K through open enrollment?

A pupil may participate in open enrollment for 4-year-old kindergarten (4K) only if:
  • The pupil’s resident school district offers a 4K program, and
  • The pupil is eligible for the program in her/his resident school district.
Note: 97.6 percent of Wisconsin School Districts offer 4K programming.

What are the days/hours of the program?

Four-year-old kindergarten will follow the Appleton Area School District’s school year calendar. Children will attend 4K programming for five days a week for approximately 2 ½ hours.

Do families have a tuition cost for 4K?

There is no tuition fee for the 4-year-old kindergarten program.


Curriculum and Instruction


What curriculum is used?

Wisconsin Connections Academy’s 4K curriculum is aligned to the Wisconsin Model Early Learning Standards (WMELS) and the Common Core State Standards for Kindergarten. The curriculum will be a combination of Starfall’s Pre-K and Appleton Area School District’s 4K curriculum.

What will a 4K student experience?

High-quality early learning experiences for young children that capitalize on their natural curiosity. 4K curriculum activities for four-year-olds will involve lots of play based opportunities for discovery, problem-solving, and social interactions. Language-rich environments will provide a solid foundation for future learning. Play is the work of early childhood; play is how much of their learning takes place.

Will my child be assessed in 4K? What will be assessed?

Yes, children participating in 4K will be assessed. Their progress in the 4K developmental areas of Approaches to Learning, Language Development and Communication Arts, Mathematical Thinking, Physical Health and Development, and Social-Emotional Development will be monitored in an ongoing manner based upon the student’s performance in curriculum activities.

Families will be required to travel to a testing location closest to their home multiple times a school year.

How is my child’s progress documented/shared?

In addition to parent-teacher conferences, a progress report will be completed and sent home at the end of each semester.

Will parent-teacher conferences be offered?

Yes, parents can expect parent-teacher conferences at least twice a month.

Will field trips be offered?

Yes, field trips will be offered around the state.


Questions?


Call our office at 1-800-382-6010 we'd be glad to answer any questions you have.