FAQ

Why is Central Bucks recommending the implementation of a full-day kindergarten program?  

We believe that Central Bucks students will benefit from a full-day kindergarten program as part of our achieving our academic goals for literacy (“Read by Three”) and mathematics (“Facts by Four”), while at the same time strengthening students’ social skills, executive functioning capabilities, and behavioral expectations through developmentally appropriate practices. Additionally:

• Full-day kindergarten adds an extra three hours of instruction each day, which amounts to another half-year of learning. This additional time allows for a broader and deeper curriculum, varied teaching methods, and early intervention when children face learning challenges.
• Full-day kindergarten programs allow schools to provide a richer curriculum and enhance teaching methods, leading to improved developmental outcomes.
• Research shows that students in full-day kindergarten develop stronger literacy skills, especially within the same school environment. 
• Children in full-day kindergarten are more likely to spend more time playing outside and have longer physical education sessions.
• The skills children gain in full-day kindergarten last well beyond their early years. The cognitive benefits can persist for at least 10 years, setting them up for long-term academic success.

What is the timeline for the implementation of full-day kindergarten? 

At the March 12, 2024 meeting, the Central Bucks Board of School Directors approved a realignment plan and district-wide full day kindergarten, effective the 2026-2027 school year.

What are the benefits of implementing a full day kindergarten program in Central Bucks? 

• Academic Growth 
  • Provides more time for reading, writing, and math instruction 
  • Supports our MTSS (Multi-tiered Systems of Support) Model by providing more time for individualized instruction 
  • Increases opportunities for independent learning, classroom involvement, and productivity in work with peers 
  • Increases time in self-initiated activities, small group and teacher directed individual work, and less time in large group instruction  
• Social Development 
  • Allows time for direct instruction in social skills 
  • Allows time for reinforcement of behavioral expectations 
  • Gives students access to opportunities for collaboration 
• Quality Programming 
  • Gives students access to all specials (Art, Health & PE, Library, Music & QUEST) 
  • Presents opportunity to deliver our curriculum with fidelity 
  • Strengthens our first grade delivery model 

Will half-day kindergarten be offered in addition to full-day kindergarten?

Once full-day kindergarten is fully implemented at all CBSD elementary schools, a half-day program will no longer be offered in the district.

Will a full-day kindergarten "pioneer program" be offered in the 2025-26 school year?

In addition to changing the grade-level configurations and adding full-day kindergarten at all elementary schools, the Board approved a "pioneer" (formerly "pilot") program for full-day kindergarten to operate during the 2025-26 school year at six pioneer schools.

What elementary schools will pioneer full-day kindergarten in the 2025-26 school year?

The district announced the selection of the six elementary schools that will pioneer full-day kindergarten in the 2025-26 school year on Nov. 6, 2024. These schools are: Cold Spring, Doyle, Groveland, Jamison, Kutz and Mill Creek.

Will schools that are pioneering the full-day kindergarten program also offer a half-day program?

The schools that pioneer full-day kindergarten in 2025-26 will no longer offer a half-day program. Thus, kindergarten students who attend the selected pioneer schools will not have a half-day option. The district will also not consider attendance exceptions, except for students who may need to attend kindergarten in another elementary school due to specialized programming.

Will students outside the attendance areas of full-day kindergarten pioneer schools be able to apply to attend a pioneer school?

Students who do not reside in the attendance area of a pioneer school will not be granted attendance exceptions for full-day programming. Similarly, students who reside in attendance areas of our pioneer schools will not be granted attendance exceptions for enrollment in a school with a half-day program.

What were the criteria for selecting the full-day kindergarten pioneer schools?

What grade level structure is the administration recommending?

The administration is recommending transitioning elementary schools to a kindergarten through grade five structure, moving grade six to middle schools. Middle schools would transition to house grades six through eight, moving grade nine to high schools. High schools, in turn, would house grades nine through twelve. Currently, the district is organized K-6, 7-9, and 10-12.

What steps are being taken to support students who are being realigned from 5th to 6th, and 8th to 9th in the 26-27 school year? Will they have the same "send-off" experience as prior years?

We are collaborating with principals, teachers, school staff, home and school associations, parents/guardians, and students to gather input and insights on how we can best support all students throughout the realignment. If you are interested in getting involved, we encourage you to contact your child's home and school association. We are aiming to provide a celebratory experience for all students moving into a new building. 

Will a tax increase be necessary to pay for these changes? Does the district know what the cost of implementing full-day kindergarten will be?

On January 24, 2024, a realignment update and preliminary budget was shared at the Business and Operations Services Committee. Click here to review the preliminary realignment budget summary.

The plan includes a $12 million one-time cost in renovations at the three high schools to prepare space for ninth grade, and $9.9 million in ongoing operating costs for staffing and supplies. Those costs will be phased in over three budget years and will add an estimated $7 each month to the average district taxpayer’s bill over the next five years.