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“Is my child ready for Kindergarten?” This is one of the most common questions families ask when preparing for the next step in their child’s education. Parents often focus on letters and numbers. However, readiness includes far more than academics.

At Royalmont Academy, our Kindergarten teachers walk alongside families through this discernment every year. Readiness involves social maturity, emotional growth, and the ability to learn in a structured environment.

A child is ready for Kindergarten when they are developing independence, emotional regulation, and the ability to participate in group learning.

Meet Our Kindergarten Teachers

Michelle DuSheid and Karen Gately serve as our Kindergarten teachers at Royalmont Academy. Together, they bring experience, warmth, and a deep commitment to forming the whole child.

Michelle often reminds parents that readiness is rarely a simple yes-or-no answer. “Each child develops at their own pace,” she shares, noting that academic strength does not always equal social readiness.

Karen emphasizes that Royalmont’s mission shapes everything in the classroom. “Religion is not just a subject here,” she explains. “It is integrated throughout our entire day.”

What Is the Biggest Worry Parents Have?

The biggest concern parents express is whether their child is truly ready. Some worry their child will struggle. Others worry their child will not be challenged.

Michelle explains that a child may enter knowing addition and subtraction yet struggle with turn-taking or managing emotions. Conversely, another child may need academic growth but demonstrate strong focus and maturity.

Kindergarten readiness includes both intellectual and social development.

How Do You Determine If a Child Is Ready?

We begin by listening to parent concerns carefully. Additionally, children complete a simple Kindergarten screener to guide the conversation.

This assessment is not about labeling. Instead, it helps families discern whether Kindergarten or another year of preschool would be developmentally wise.

Summer birthdays often require thoughtful consideration. In some cases, an extra year builds long-term confidence and resilience.

What Makes a Child Socially Ready?

Kindergarten is structured. Therefore, children benefit from developing the ability to follow directions, transition between activities, and focus for short periods.

• Take turns respectfully.
• Manage big emotions with guidance.
• Respond appropriately to teachers.
• Participate in group instruction.

These skills often matter more than advanced academic knowledge.

What About Academic Readiness?

Academically, Kindergarten focuses on learning to read independently, writing clearly, and building fluency in foundational math skills.

Karen notes that growth during this year is dramatic. A student may enter without knowing letters and leave reading sentences confidently.

Students are grouped appropriately for reading. Children who are already reading continue to be challenged. Likewise, students who need more time move at a steady pace to build confidence.

What Does a Typical Day Feel Like?

Kindergarten at Royalmont feels welcoming, structured, joyful, and appropriately challenging.

There is a balance between focused academic work and purposeful play. Play builds creativity, problem-solving skills, listening habits, and virtue.

Both elements are necessary for five-year-olds to thrive.

How Do You Support Students Who Need More Time?

Children develop at different rates. Therefore, teachers gently reintroduce skills later in the day or in smaller groups when needed.

Encouragement plays a critical role. Smiles, praise, and consistent guidance help build confidence.

Sometimes the greatest growth comes when a child feels safe enough to try again.

How Do You Challenge Students Who Are Ahead?

Students who enter already reading or advanced in math are encouraged as leaders. They may read aloud, take speaking roles, or explore deeper problem-solving questions.

Challenge and support coexist within the same classroom.

What Does a Royalmont Kindergartener Look Like by Year’s End?

By the end of Kindergarten, students typically read independently, write simple sentences, and solve foundational math equations.

More importantly, they demonstrate friendship, responsibility, growing virtue, and a personal relationship with Jesus.

They are ready not only for first grade academically, but socially and spiritually as well.

If you are discerning next steps, explore our Admissions process or learn more about our Kindergarten program.

Common Questions Parents Ask

Is my child ready for Kindergarten academically?

Academic readiness includes emerging reading skills, letter recognition, number awareness, and focus during structured learning. Social maturity is equally important.

Should I delay Kindergarten if my child has a summer birthday?

Summer birthdays often require thoughtful discernment. An extra year of preschool can strengthen maturity, confidence, and long-term success.

What if my child is already reading?

Advanced learners are grouped appropriately and challenged to grow further while developing leadership and confidence.

What if my child struggles with focus or emotions?

Teachers provide patient guidance, small-group support, and encouragement. Growth happens at different speeds, and confidence builds steadily.