Junior Kindergarten
The mission of Junior Kindergarten is to provide each child with a play-based approach to learning where they can cultivate their love of learning while growing socially, emotionally and cognitively.
2025-26 Locations
- Commerce Elementary
- Dublin Elementary
- Glengary Elementary
- Keith Elementary
- Loon Lake Elementary
- Mary Helen Guest Elementary
- Meadowbrook Elementary
- Oakley Park Elementary
- Pleasant Lake Elementary
- Wixom Elementary
*Program locations subject to change based on need across the school district.
*Locations for the 2026-27 school year are TBD.
Junior Kindergarten Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Eligibility
Eligible students must turn 5 years old between September 1 and December 1. We are unable to accept students beyond our December 1 cutoff.
*Please Note - Siblings of current Schools of Choice families are eligible for Junior Kindergarten for 2026-2027.
| Turning 5 years old: | General Recommendation: |
|---|---|
| December 2, 2025 to September 1, 2026 |
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June 30, 2026 to September 1, 2026 |
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| September 2, 2026 to December 1, 2026 |
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| After December 2, 2026 |
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Walled Lake Consolidated Schools is excited to offer our families Junior Kindergarten for the 2026-2027 school year!
Junior Kindergarten will support kindergarten readiness through a play-based curriculum. Our program will cultivate academic learning along with opportunities for play, creativity, and social skill development.
Junior Kindergarten Timeline
- January 21, 2026, 6 p.m.: JK/Kindergarten Orientation at all 12 elementary schools
- January 22, 2026: JK enrollment opens for WLCSD families
- January 26, 2026: School of Choice opens for prospective JK families - Learn more about Schools of Choice.
- February 13, 2026, 4 p.m.: School of Choice application window closes
- March 2, 2026: Families notified of School of Choice decision
- March 9, 2026: Enrollment opens for all students for the 2026-27 school year
*Please note: School of Choice families seeking a placement in Junior Kindergarten will be offered a spot in locations where space is available.
Junior Kindergarten Waitlist
Junior Kindergarten enrollment is open for families whose children turn five between September 1 and December 1. If your child turns five between June 1 and August 31 you must sign up for our Junior Kindergarten Waitlist to be considered.
Programs At A Glance
To help families decide if Junior Kindergarten is a good fit for their child, our team has put together the following WLCSD Young Learners Breakdown.
Program Highlights
- Full day, five days a week
- NO COST to families of eligible students
- Typical Grade Progression - Year 1: Junior Kindergarten, Year 2: Kindergarten
- Same start/end times as our elementary schools
- Follows the WLCSD school year calendar
- Prime Time Care available to students at a cost
- Bus transportation available if your child's home school has a junior kindergarten program.
- Families would need to coordinate transportation to/from school if your child's home school is not one of those schools.
