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.

• 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

• 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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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

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

Yes, field trips will be offered around the state.