Elementary Academics

The Board of Education establishes the following entrance age requirements for students.  These requirements are consistent with current statute; further, they reflect sound educational practice because they ensure that all students receive an education appropriate to their age, social development, and physical growth.

A child is eligible for entrance into kindergarten if s/he attains the age of five (5) on or before September 30^th of the year in which s/he applies for entrance. The Board may admit a younger child to kindergarten if the child satisfies the Early-Entrance criteria established by the Board of Education.

The Board will admit to kindergarten any child who has not attained the entrance age requirement of this District if s/he was properly enrolled in a public or chartered nonpublic school kindergarten before transferring to this District.

A child is eligible for entrance into first grade if s/he attains the age of six (6) on or before September 30th of the year in which s/he applies for entrance and has completed the kindergarten program of this District or an equivalent program elsewhere and has been recommended by the teacher for advancement to the first grade. The Board may admit to first grade a younger child who has successfully completed an approved kindergarten program which aligns with the Ohio Department of Education’s Learning and Development Standards. In addition, the board may admit a younger child to first grade if the child satisfies the Early Entrance criteria established by the Board of Education.

Each child entering the District's kindergarten or first grade program for the first time will be screened by District employees for medical or health problems as well as those related to hearing, vision, speech and communications.

A positive, supportive home environment is important for children to experience success at school.  Here are several suggestions for how you can prepare your child for a successful school experience. 

1. Good nutrition maximizes your child’s day at school.  Please provide your child with a nourishing breakfast and lunch.

2. Ensure that your child arrives to school on time in clothing appropriate for the weather.

3. Teach your child to follow behavior expectations of teachers and staff.  All teachers and staff (including secretaries, custodians, aides, and cooks) have authority and are responsible for the safety and success of children.

4. Talk with your child about treating other children in the same manner as she or he wishes to be treated (avoid name calling, arguing, etc.).

5. Together with your child, discuss the information in this handbook so that she or he clearly understands what is expected from him or her at school.

6. Be involved and supportive with any homework assigned.  

7. If possible, be an active member of your school community.  There are various opportunities to be involved, including membership in the Parent-Teacher Organization or volunteering in your child’s classroom.  

8. Above all else, tell your child when she or he is doing a good job in school — praise him or her for good efforts and good behavior at school.  We will do the same at school.

9. Elementary school should be a wonderful experience for your child, but it does take effort on behalf of teachers, students, and parents. 

During conferences, many parents ask, “How can I help my child complete his homework?” or “Is it better for my child to work on his homework right after coming home from school or later in the evening?”  The best reply to this question is, “What is best for your child?”  Teachers and parents can work together to develop a plan that ensures successful homework habits.  This plan may include:  

• A consistent, scheduled time of day to complete schoolwork at home.

• A work environment free of distraction, with the appropriate supplies available at all times. 

• Developing a plan each day for how to prioritize any assignments.

• If there is no assigned homework, parents should encourage students to read independently. 

Homework is intended to offer additional practice on content that was covered in class. Homework is not heavily graded.  If your child is spending an excessive amount of time on homework and is becoming frustrated, contact his or her teacher to discuss the situation.  

Student academic progress will be reported to parents on a consistent interval throughout the year.  Parent conferences and progress reports will serve to keep parents informed of pupil progress as well.  Parents are urged to contact their child’s teacher if concerns arise.  

Infinite Campus is a web-based program that is available to keep parents informed on their child’s academic progress.  It provides a comprehensive approach for monitoring student progress.  One of the most powerful features of Infinite Campus is its ability to enhance ongoing communication between parents and teachers.  To learn more about Infinite Campus, please speak to your child’s teacher.  

Parent-teacher conferences are scheduled twice each year to provide the staff with time to meet with parents after school and in the evening.  Please contact your principal or teacher to arrange conferences.

The decision to promote or retain a student is always made after consideration of what is best for the student. The first consideration for student retention is whether the student is able to meet at least minimum levels of knowledge and skills at this grade level, or minimum goals prescribed on the Individualized Educational Program. However, academics are not the sole factor in the determination of retention.  The student’s age, maturity level, emotional and social criteria, and attendance must also be considered on an individual basis.  Retention shall occur only if it is viewed as an opportunity for student growth.  If deemed necessary, it should occur as early as possible in a student’s educational program. Decisions on student promotion, placement, or retention resides with the building principal. A parent may appeal the decision to the Superintendent.

Promotion and Retention in Third Grade

Districts and schools must retain students who score below the promotion score on Ohio’s State Test for grade 3 English language arts each year they score below the promotion score, unless those students are exempt from retention under the Third Grade Reading Guarantee. Exemptions include:

• A student who is an English learner enrolled in U.S. schools for fewer than three full school years and with fewer than three years of instruction in an English as a second language program.

• A student whose IEP specifically exempts the student from retention under the Third Grade Reading Guarantee (more information is available in the Students with Significant Cognitive Disabilities section of this document).

• A student who demonstrates competency on an alternative assessment for reading approved by the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce and Workforce and Workforce.

• A student whose IEP shows the student received intensive remediation in reading for two years and the student previously was retained in any of grades kindergarten through 3.

• A student who received intensive remediation in reading for two years and previously was retained in any of grades kindergarten through 3.*

• A student whose parent or guardian, in consultation with the student’s reading teacher and principal, has requested that the student be promoted for grade 4 regardless of the student’s score on Ohio’s State Test for grade 3 English language arts.*

*Students promoted under these exemptions must continue to receive intensive reading instruction in grade 4. This instruction shall include an altered instructional day that includes specialized, diagnostic information and specific, research-based reading strategies for the student that have been successful in improving reading among low-performing readers.

Dublin City Schools administers state and national standardized tests, which include, but are not limited to, Ohio State Tests in English, Math, Science, MAP, cognitive ability tests, PSAT 8/9, PSAT, SAT and ACT. Students are not permitted to review any portion of a state or national assessment at any time prior to the test administration.  In order to ensure fairness and reliability of the test scores, students are not permitted to discuss test questions or share any information regarding the content of these tests at any time.  Any student who shares information in regard to state or national assessments will be subject to disciplinary action.