IRMO — Lexington-Richland School District Five will begin accepting applications for 4-year-old kindergarten (4K) and registering students for 5-year-old kindergarten for the 2026-27 school year on Feb. 9.
Children must be 4 years old on or before Sept. 1, 2026, to apply for 4K. Parents must apply in person at their zoned elementary school during normal school hours and present original documentation, including a birth certificate, proof of residency and income verification. Mailed applications will not be accepted.
“Our district has exceptional 4K classes to prepare students for success in school and beyond,” said Davida Price, the district’s coordinator of youth and family services. “Early education is important, and we encourage eligible families to apply.”
Priority for the needs-based 4K program will be given to students with the greatest economic and academic needs, based on income verification and an academic screener. Completing an application and screening does not guarantee acceptance. Families will be notified of acceptance or waitlist status in early July.
In addition to the needs-based program, the district offers a tuition-based 4K EXCEL program at Irmo Elementary and a Montessori Magnet program at H.E. Corley Elementary. The Montessori program is available through the district’s Choice Application process.
Kindergarten registration is also open for children who will be 5 years old on or before Sept. 1, 2026. Parents may register online through the district’s registration page or in person at their zoned elementary school. Required documents include a birth certificate, immunization records and proof of residency.
Students currently enrolled in District Five 4K programs do not need to re-register, as they will automatically roll into kindergarten.
For more information about 4K programs, contact the District Five Department of Youth and Family Services at 803-476-8250. For kindergarten registration, families should contact their zoned elementary school.
