If so, we are delighted to welcome you to our school district and look forward to having you as part of our HCPS family.

Our primary mission is to deliver a top-notch education to every student. We appreciate the chance to nurture the youngest minds within our school district  through our cutting-edge programs and enriching experiences. This marks the initial stride in equipping your students with the skills and knowledge necessary for success in college, career, and life.

Do you have a child headed to kindergarten for the 2025-26 school year? If so, be mindful of kindergarten registration dates and when kindergarten starts. Each spring, schools across our district hold Kindergarten Open Houses. Reach out to your neighborhood school for their date and time for kindergarten registration and upcoming open house events. Visit this page periodically; once schools confirm dates and times, we will share a calendar of events. 

View Kindergarten Open Houses>>

Here are the simple steps to enroll:

Step 1: Find Your School
Are you wondering what “kindergarten schools are near me?” If so, use the School Locator to find your child’s attendance area school. Hillsborough County Public Schools also offer many Choice and Magnet school options for kindergarten registration. Find out more about our Choice and Magnet Programs at www.HillsboroughSchools.org/Magnet and www.HillsboroughSchools.org/Choice or contact the Choice Information Line at 813-272-4692.

Step 2: Contact Your School
When does kindergarten registration start? Call your school and find a good time to register your child, and learn about school open houses and tours.  The child’s legal parent or guardian must be there to register the child. You will also need specific documentation in order to register your child for kindergarten.

Step 3: Fill out all Documentation
View a list of enrollment documents that you will need to provide or will be asked to complete at the school site for kindergarten registration. Remember, your child’s kindergarten registration is not complete until all the documentation is filled out and completed. This can sometimes be a lengthy process. That’s why it’s important to get started on the kindergarten registration process as soon as possible. 

Transitioning to Kindergarten - Watch coverage on Fox 13>>

Are You Kindergarten Ready?  

There are many ways parents can help their child get ready for kindergarten at home. Here are just a few of them:

• Read aloud to them
• Establish routines such as regular dinner times and bedtimes
• Help them to be independent, such as choosing what to wear and filling their own water bottle
• Discuss / acknowledge their feelings
• Teach responsibility

For more tips to help parents prepare for kindergarten, watch this segment on Telemundo featuring kindergarten teacher Karen Arenas from Cannella Elementary School. - Comparten consejos para padres de familia en Hillsborough – Telemundo Tampa (49)