Most public schools have their “Kindergarten round up” in March or April, where prospective students and parents are encouraged to visit the schools & sign up to attend Kindergarten there.
Public schools usually accept children who turn ‘5’ on or before September 1st of the calendar year for Kindergarten.
Montessori Primary Classrooms have students from ages 3-6. Students that are already ‘5’ before the cut off date can choose to do Kindergarten in the same Montessori classroom where they currently are or “graduate out” to join the public schools in the area.
Parents usually have a lot of questions during this time before they make the shift :
If I keep my child in Montessori for Kindergarten, will they have a hard time adjusting to public school in 1st grade?
Will they miss out on learning because of mixed age grouping in Montessori?
Isn’t Montessori for 3-5 years old or Pre-kindergarten only ?
If there are not many older children, will my child have any friends his age in the Montessori classroom.
Will my child be challenged enough to learn ?
Will my child be more of a “helper” helping the younger children in the classroom?
Resources to share with parents:
Importance of Montessori for Kindergarten year
The role of the 3rd year student
Montessori for Kindergarten year – A question for Parents
reasons to keep child in Montessori for the 3rd year
Organize a Parent event
Host a Parent Education night to discuss the importance of keeping children the 3rd year in Montessori .
This event can be organized in Jan/Feb, giving parents enough time to think about everything before making a decision about their child’s kindergarten year.
This can be a simple session like Discovery session or something more specific for the kindergarten year like ” See, Experience, Believe – the 3rd year in Montessori”.
Stay tuned for more details about tips and tricks on hosting the Parent education event focusing more specifically on the kindergarten year !!
MONTLE 
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