Kindergarten In GAPS

See the "Kindergarten Prep" tab in this section for more information.

See the "Kinder Academy" tab in this section for more information.

To complete the registration process for your child you will need to provide the following information:

• Proof of address - examples: utility bill dated within 30 days, rental or lease agreement, documents relating to purchase of residence
• Proof of age - examples: birth certificate, immunization record directly from physician's office
• Proof of immunization - examples: completed Oregon Certificate of Immunization form, Immunization Record directly from physician's office

If your child will be riding the bus you will also need to complete a Transportation Registration form, which is available at your school.

Please see your school office for more details or assistance.

Oregon state law requires students to meet minimum immunization requirements.

• 5 Diphtheria/Tetanus/Pertussis (DTaP)
• 4 Polio
• 1 Varicella (chicken pox)
• 2 Measles
• 1 Mumps
• 1 Rubella
• 3 Hepatitis B
• 2 Hepatitis A

You must present one of the following original documents that include the student's legal name and date of birth stated on the document: 

• Completed Oregon Certificate of Immunication form signed by parent/guardian
• Immunization Record printed from ALERT Immunization Information System by the clinic
• The Immunization Record printed from physician's office

For complete details on immunzations, see the Oregon Health Authority's immunization webpage
visit oha's webpage

Bus routes are designated by address. To find routing information see our Transportation page.

GAPS Transportation

All kindergarten students must have a Transportation Registration form on file before they may begin to ride the bus. Contact your school to complete this form.

Yes. See our Before and After School Care page.

before and after school care

Yes. Student safety and well-being is a high priority. Please submit any court documentation that involves the safety of your child to your school's office. They will handle all situations with care.

School offices work closely with the GAPS Nursing Department to be sure all students have the medical and health assistance they need during the school day. When you register your child, be sure to complete the health history portion as accurately as possible to begin the conversations needed between you and the school for proper health protocol. See your school's office for information about medication check-in processes and other specific questions or concerns.

Kindergarten classes in 2025-26 averaged 18 students per classroom across the district.

Yes. South Shore Elementary is the only GAPS school that offers a dual language immersion program. You can request a transfer for the upcoming school year during the Spring Transfer Window. See the GAPS Transfer Request page and the South Shore website for more information.

transfer requests

South shore elementary

Kindergarten students may apply for a transfer request during the Spring Transfer Window. See more information on our Transfer Request page.

transfer requests

Always register your child to the school assigned to you by boundary. After transfers are processed, all approved applicants will be notified by their new school.

When you register your child for school, be sure to add all authorized people who may pick up your child as an emergency contact. Contact your school's office with any specific questions or concerns.

Volunteers make great contributions to our schools. But before signing up to help in a school, volunteers must complete the required criminal background check forms. Please see our Volunteer webpage for more information. Contact your school's office with specific questions about volunteering in your child's school.

Volunteer at gaps

In accordance with Oregon law (ORS 336.092), our school district enrolls students according to their age on September 1. However, our Board Policy (JEBA with JEBA-AR) allows for limited exceptions:

• Students who will be 5 between September 2 and October 1 may be considered for early entrance to kindergarten if they meet the criteria listed below and in Board Policy.

Exceptions for early entrance are purposefully rare. In addition to the criteria our district analyzes in determining if early entrance will be allowed, we encourage parents to consider the long-term impacts of being the youngest student not only for elementary school but through high school graduation, not just academically but socially, emotionally, and developmentally.

Criteria for Consideration (must meet all of the following):

• cognitive ability assessment scores in the 97th percentile (national norms)
• academic assessments in reading, writing, and math that demonstrate performance at or above the majority (51% or higher) of the content for the requested grade level
• social, emotional, behavioral, and practical daily skills that indicate they will be successful at the requested grade level.

See your school's office for more information or to obtain the necessary form to request an evaluation.