Kindergarten Enrollment

Welcome to the exciting world of kindergarten at Hawthorn District 73! Here, we embark on a remarkable journey filled with learning, discovery, and fun. Our kindergarten program is designed to nurture young minds, fostering a love for learning and a strong foundation for academic success. Only children who turn 5 years old on or before September 1 are eligible for kindergarten for the upcoming school year. Information regarding early entrance can be found on our Early Entrance page. As future Hawthorn Eagles, your little ones will spread their wings in a caring, supportive environment. Get ready for a year of unforgettable experiences, growth, and the joy of learning!

Kindergarten Information Night

Missed the Kindergarten Information Night? Click below to view the presentation!

Kindy Info Night Presentation

Mark your calendars for Jan. 30, 2025, at 6:30 p.m. at Middle School North, located at 201 Hawthorn Parkway. This is a special evening for parents to gain insights and valuable information about preparing for kindergarten. Our presentations, available in both English and Spanish, will cover a range of essential topics including registration procedures, dual language program options, a glimpse into a day in the life of a kindergartner, opportunities to meet our dedicated principals, and much more. We look forward to welcoming you and embarking on this exciting educational journey together!

An opportunity to complete the required pre-registration form will be available at Kindergarten Information Night!

Becoming an Eagle Night

Join us for "Becoming an Eagle Night" on August 19, 2025! This special event is designed for parents and their incoming kindergarten students to get a head start on a successful school year. Here's what to expect:

Informative Parent Presentations: Gain valuable insights into the kindergarten experience, from curriculum to daily schedules.
Meet the Teacher: A unique opportunity for your child to meet their kindergarten teacher, helping ease the transition into school life.
School Supplies Drop-off: Conveniently drop off your child's school supplies ahead of the first day.
Kindergarten Playdate: A fun and engaging way for your child to meet future classmates and make new friends.

Don't miss out on this important night where you'll learn everything you need to know to ensure your child thrives in kindergarten. We look forward to welcoming our new Eagle families!

Kindergarten Registration School Fees

*Fees will not be collected at the time of registration. Fees will be added to the Parent PowerSchool portal after September 15.

Registration Fee: $138 (Register before May 1 to receive a 10% discount)
Technology Fee: $75

Do you anticipate needing assistance with fees? Apply for Free & Reduced status below.

Financial Assistance

Helpful Resources

Kindergarten Registration Roadmap

District Boundry Map

Questions?

Please contact the Registrar at 847-990-4200.

How Do I Register my Kindergartener for the 2025-26 School Year?

Kindergarten Registration is a three-step process. Please know that all three steps are required before your child is fully registered with Hawthorn School District 73.

Step One

Complete the required Pre-Registration form.

Pre-Registration Form

Keep an eye out for the “Next Steps” email, which will have everything you need to guide you through the final steps of your registration journey!

Step Two

All families who pre-registered will receive an email with directions to set up an in-person registration appointment with the district registrars. For that appointment, you will need to provide an original birth certificate and a photo ID, passport or driver’s license. We are unable to accept photocopies or submissions via email.

Appointments will take place at the district office, 841 West End Court, Vernon Hills, between the hours of 8:30 a.m.–3 p.m., Monday-Friday. Please plan at least 45 minutes for your in-person appointment.

Step Three

Please complete steps one and two by March 17, 2025 to be considered in the Hawthorn School of Dual Language lottery and to secure a smooth journey into the next school year. As we navigate behind the scenes to prepare for another fantastic school year, we ask for your patience. Stay tuned for updates from your principals over the summer!

Please note: Hawthorn District 73 has contracted with a third-party vendor to automatically verify student address information for all NEW students/families using the information provided by families in their online registration. We anticipate the majority of families will be successfully verified without needing to provide any additional forms or documentation. However, if additional documentation is needed, linked here is a list of acceptable residency documentation. If there is any question regarding a student’s residency within the District 73 boundaries, the family will be contacted directly and the district will require additional documentation to verify where the student is living.

Early Enrollment

What is early enrollment?

What is early enrollment?

Early Enrollment in Hawthorn School District 73 allows eligible children to start kindergarten or first grade earlier than the usual age. Here's what you need to know:

Age Requirement: Typically, children must be five years old by September 1 of their kindergarten year to enroll. However, children born between September 1 and December 31 may qualify for early enrollment.
Assessment Process: Children considered for early enrollment will undergo assessments using Fastbridge, including earlyReading and earlyMath tests. They need to score above the 90th percentile and also participate in a verbal and written evaluation. The child's ability to transition from their parent/guardian and their response to the evaluation are also considered.
Parent/Guardian Involvement: You'll be asked to complete a questionnaire about your child.
Review and Decision: Our district team, including administrators and teachers, will review the assessments, academic performance, and social-emotional development of the child. You'll be informed of the decision by the end of June.
No Prep Needed: Your child doesn't need to prepare for the assessment. Please note, the team's decision is final.
How to Apply: Submit your Early Entrance request to the district by TBD. You will be contacted in May, with assessments scheduled for the week of TBD.

For any questions, reach out to Karen Maturo at 847-990-4211.