Kindergarten Starts Sooner Than You Think: Why Now Is the Time to Explore Your Child’s School Options in Ohio

If your child will be starting kindergarten in the 2026–27 school year, congratulations! This is an exciting milestone—for your child and for your family. It also marks an important decision point: choosing the school environment where your child will begin their formal education.

The good news? In Ohio, parents have choices. And the earlier you start exploring them, the more confident you’ll feel when it’s time to enroll.

One of the biggest misconceptions about kindergarten is that families must attend the school assigned by their address. In Ohio, that simply isn’t true. Families can choose from a variety of educational options, including:

• Traditional public schools
• Public charter (community) schools
• Private schools
• Faith-based schools
• STEM or college-preparatory schools
• Schools with specialized supports or instructional approaches
• Home education options
• Schools that accept state scholarships, such as EdChoice, Jon Peterson Special Needs, or Autism Scholarships

You Know Your Child Best

No one understands your child’s personality, learning style, strengths, and needs better than you do. Some children thrive in smaller classrooms. Others benefit from hands-on learning, strong arts programs, faith-based instruction, or additional academic or behavioral supports.

Taking time to research schools allows you to find a setting that aligns with:

• How your child learns best
• What makes them feel confident and supported
• Your family’s values and priorities

A school that’s a great fit can set the tone for a positive, joyful learning experience right from the start.

Even though kindergarten may feel far away, now is the perfect time to begin exploring your options. Many schools begin accepting applications well before the school year starts, and popular programs can fill quickly. Consider these four things to do to get started:

• Speak to other parents. Do they like their child’s school? What made them select that school option?
• Make a list of schools you’re interested in
• Visit school websites and social media pages
• Schedule admissions appointments or school tours

Seeing a school in action—and talking directly with staff—can tell you far more than a brochure ever could.

Come Prepared With Questions

School visits are your opportunity to learn how a school will support your child and your family. Going in with a list of questions can help you compare options and feel confident in your decision.

Helping Your Child Prepare for a Strong Start

Choosing the right school is one of the best ways to help your child begin kindergarten feeling excited, confident, and ready to learn. When children feel safe, supported, and understood, they are far more likely to thrive academically and socially. Starting early gives you more time to:

• Explore multiple options without pressure
• Include your child in age-appropriate conversations about school
• Build excitement about this new chapter

Kindergarten is the beginning of an incredible journey. By starting your school search now, you’re taking an important step toward helping your child launch their education with confidence and success.

Columbus Families! Don’t Miss the 2026 Greater Columbus School Fair

If you live in or around Columbus, there’s an easy way to explore many school options all in one place. Join us on Saturday, January 24, 2026 from 11am to 2pm at the Columbus Zoo & Aquarium Africa Event Center for the 2026 Greater Columbus School Fair. This FREE event will bring together a wide variety of schools, giving families the opportunity to ask questions, meet school representatives, and learn what each school offers its students and families.

Whether you’re just starting your search or narrowing down your choices, the school fair is a great place to gather information and make connections.

Register today at scohio.org