Early Entrance to Kindergarten
In December 2025, Governor DeWine signed House Bill 114, which changes the kindergarten age eligibility requirement for children starting kindergarten in Ohio. Children must be 5 years old on or before the first day of school to be eligible to enroll for the 2026–2027 school year. Tiffin City Schools tentative first day of school pending board approval is August 25, 2026. This means that your scholar must be five years of age on or before that date.
This is a change from the previous cutoff date and may impact some families as they plan for their child’s educational journey. Please contact Washington Elementary School if you have any further questions.
Washington Elementary Principal can be reached at 419-447-1072
Early Entrance to Kindergarten (enrollment of a child who does not meet the age requirement of HB114) is designed for the exceptional child who is both academically ready as well as developmentally mature when compared to others his or her chronological age. This opportunity is designed as a measure to meet individual differences in school readiness.
Early Entrance to Kindergarten should be viewed as a means of meeting a child’s needs. The key to determining whether or not early entrance is appropriate is developmental readiness. Even though a child may have a lot of ability, s/he may not be ready for kindergarten. Social maturity, personal development, and motor development are important factors for a child’s success in school.
Parents/guardians interested in learning more about the Early Entrance to Kindergarten process should reach out to the Paula Zirm, Gifted Supervisor, at 419-447-3358 paula_zirm@tiffincityschools.org, to request an Early Entrance to Kindergarten Handbook and application.
Tiffin City Schools
244 South Monroe Street
Tiffin, OH 44883
(419) 447-2515
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If you are reaching out during non-school hours, your email may not be addressed until the next business day. If you prefer to phone our district office, please call (419) 447-2515.