Early Enrollment

Hawthorn School District 73 complies with Illinois law which states that in order to enter kindergarten, children must be five years of age by Sept. 1 of their kindergarten year. Children whose birth date falls between Sept. 1 and Dec. 31 may be considered for early entrance to kindergarten/first grade. Per Board Policy (6:135), all Early Entrance requests must be submitted to Hawthorn District 73 by April 28, 2023. 

We assess children who are referred for early entrance to kindergarten using Fastbridge. Fastbridge earlyReading and earlyMath, are evidence-based assessments used to screen and monitor student progress.  Children referred for early entrance must score above the 90th percentile on the end of the year skills assessment. The child is also asked to respond verbally and in writing to key questions asked by the evaluator. Finally, the evaluator assesses how a child transitions from their parent/guardian and responds to the evaluation process. Parents/Guardians will also be asked to complete a brief questionnaire. 

After a child has been assessed, a district team of administrators, classroom teachers, and student services staff reviews the data.  The team considers the child’s evaluation results, academic performance, and social-emotional development. Parents are notified of the final decision by the end of June via phone call, and are also provided a copy of the evaluation report.

There is no preparation needed prior to the assessment.

Decisions made by the Early Entrance Team are final. 

Parents/guardians wishing to apply for early entrance to kindergarten or first grade for their child must submit the Request for Early Entrance Form (below) no later than April 28, 2023. You will receive communication in May and testing will be held the week of June 5, 2023.

Please contact Karen Maturo (maturok@hawthorn73.org or 847-990-4211)  if you have any questions.