Gwinnett Schools rolls out new review process for kindergarten placement, but family questions linger

GWINNETT COUNTY, Ga. — For some families, the decision about when a child should start kindergarten is not simple, and recent policy enforcement in Gwinnett County Schools has added to that uncertainty.

In the Norton household, Lisa Norton says kindergarten “isn’t one size fits all.”

“I think understanding the needs of the child is super important and should be taken into consideration as a part of the county’s decision,” Norton said.

Norton enrolled her oldest child in kindergarten at age 5 and her middle child at 6. She had planned to delay, or “redshirt,” her youngest son as well.

“We actually, within his private pre-K, had him tested to see if he was ready for kindergarten, and we were advised by the school as well as our pediatrician and even speech and OT that it would be better and in his best interest to delay a kindergarten start,” she said.

In December, parents and lawmakers expressed confusion and concern over how Gwinnett County Schools was enforcing its existing policies. The district indicated that all 6-year-olds would have to start in first grade.

“I was super surprised,” Norton said.

The school system now says it will use “an updated grade level consideration process” that “will ensure that families are included in the conversation and that decisions are made thoughtfully, consistently, and with each child’s needs in mind.”

Norton said she is still unsure how the updated process will affect her son.

“We’re doing like most parents, and trying to figure out our way with this. And what’s in the best interest of our child,” she said.

Kindergarten registration in Gwinnett County opens March 16. At that time, parents of 6-year-olds can request a placement review.