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Maine RSU 21

Maine Regional School Unit 21

Arundel · Kennebunk · Kennebunkport

JGAA - ASSIGNMENT OF STUDENTS TO CLASSES - 5 YEAR OLDS

  • Section J: Students

JGAA - ASSIGNMENT OF STUDENTS TO CLASSES - 5 YEAR-OLDS

  1. Purpose
    Maine law permits children who are at least five years old on October 15 of the school year to enroll in school. The Regional School Unit 21 (RSU 21) Board of Directors recognizes that the intent of this law is for such students to begin their school careers in Kindergarten at that age. This policy does not address eligibility requirements for public preschool programs or specific eligibility provisions for children with disabilities.
     
  2. Exceptions
    It is recognized that exceptions to this initial placement may be justified under limited circumstances, consistent with placement decisions at any grade level.  The following exceptions may be applied:
    1. The Principal may place a student who is five years old on or before October 15 of the school year in grade one if the student’s social and emotional maturity indicates that the student is likely to be successful in grade one:
      1. The school reserves the right to administer testing as appropriate to make proper placement decisions.
      2. Such placement decisions are conditioned upon demonstrated success and shall be reviewed at appropriate intervals.
      3. Such placement decisions must be reported to the Superintendent and are appealable to the Superintendent, whose decision shall be final.
    2. If a student who is five years old on October 15 of the school year has enrolled in a public Kindergarten in another state and was promoted to grade one, the student may enroll in grade one.
  3. Appeal
    A parent or guardian can appeal this decision of the principal to the Superintendent.  The decision of the Superintendent will be final.

The Superintendent will promulgate administrative procedures to implement this policy (see JGAA - R).

Legal Reference:
20-A MRSA § 5201
Cross References:
IKE - Promotion, Retention and Acceleration of Students
JFAA – Admission of Resident Students
JFAB – Admission of Non-Resident Students
JGAA - R - Administrative Procedure for the Assignment of Students To Classes - 5-Year-Olds
Approved: 12/11/1995
Reviewed: 12/08/1997
Reviewed: 02/01/2010
Revised: 04/06/26

 

  • Section J