Idaho Falls School District 91 considering full-day kindergarten

Idaho Falls School District 91 is considering going from half-day kindergarten to full-day kindergarten.

The district will survey parents who have registered their child for kindergarten in the fall. The state currently reimburses the district for half-day kindergarten. If they do go to full-day, it will be a fee-based program that will cost parents $275 a month. That cost would cover having the teacher for a full day. The district says a full-day kindergarten would provide more flexibility and options for parents.

“We have some extended day kindergarten programs that are designed to help close the achievement gap for those that are reading below grade level,” said Margaret Wimborne with District 91. “That’s part of Idaho’s literacy initiative. But this would be a different option. It would be for just a full day of kindergarten.”

The survey will also help decide which schools would have the full-day program if approved. The district says the survey will be up in the next day or two. They will keep it open through kindergarten round-ups, which take place April 30th through May 7th. Once the survey is up, you can find it here.