Dear Orange City Schools Families,

We are writing to provide a critical update regarding a change in Ohio state law that directly impacts kindergarten enrollment for the 2026-2027 school year and beyond.

On December 19, 2025, Governor Dewine signed House Bill 114, which mandates a uniform kindergarten entrance age for all school districts. This law was designed to standardize readiness across the state, but we recognize that its immediate implementation presents significant challenges for families who have been planning their children’s educational trajectories for years. 

The New Legal Requirement

Effective March 20, 2026, Ohio law requires that a child must be five years old on or before the first day of instruction to be admitted to kindergarten. The first day of school in Orange for the 2026-2027 school year is August 20, 2026.

This is a departure from our previous district policy, which allowed children who turned five by September 30th to enroll. Consequently, children with late-August or September birthdays who would have previously been eligible for kindergarten will now be considered "underage" for regular admission.

Understanding the "Early Entrance" Pathway

We have received inquiries regarding "readiness" testing for children affected by this change. It is vital for families to understand that the pathway for underage students—governed by Board Policy 5112 and Ohio Revised Code 3324.10—is a formal process of Academic Acceleration.

• Not a Standard "Readiness" Screen: This evaluation is not a general check of basic kindergarten skills. It is an assessment process designed to identify students who demonstrate academic, social, and emotional maturity beyond what is expected for their chronological age.
• The Acceleration Committee: Referrals are reviewed by a committee (including a principal, teacher, and gifted specialist/school psychologist) using evaluation tools approved by the Ohio Department of Education.
• The Goal of Evaluation: The process is intended to determine if a child’s needs are so advanced that they require early placement to ensure their continued growth, rather than simply determining if they are "ready" to start school.

We want to be transparent with our community: because this is a formal acceleration process, the criteria for early admission are applied consistently to maintain compliance with state standards.

Advocacy and Legislative Outreach

Orange City Schools understands that the lack of a "phase-in" or "grace period" for the 2026 school year creates an unexpected burden for many families. This mandate, however,  requires the district to move forward according to law and Board Policy.  

If you wish to share your perspective on how this law affects your family or to advocate for a transition period, we encourage you to contact your state legislators:

• Representative Adam Bird (Primary Sponsor): (614) 644-6034 |District 63
• Representative Kevin Ritter (Primary Sponsor): (614) 466-1346 | District 94
• Your Local State Representative/Senator: Find your specific legislators

Next Steps for Impacted Families

If you believe your child meets the threshold for formal academic acceleration and would like to begin the referral process, please visit our gifted service webpage to download the Early Entrance Referral Form found under Acceleration Documents.

Given that the state-mandated acceleration process involves a high threshold for admission and can take time to complete, we strongly encourage families to secure a preschool or childcare placement for the 2026-2027 school year as a contingency. Please be aware that registration for many local programs, including Orange Community Education and Recreation (OCER) preschool, typically opens in late January and often fills quickly on a first-come, first-served basis.

Sincerely,

Dr. Lynn Campbell
Superintendent
Orange Schools