Responding to parents’ requests, Northville Public Schools will launch a new Young 5’s program allowing students with late summer to fall birthdates a kindergarten program tailored to their age group.

KinderStangs will begin in fall of 2024, offering a developmental program that serves as a bridge between four-year-old preschool and kindergarten. It’s an option for students who would benefit from an additional year of intellectual and social growth.


‘Freedom to progress’

Based on individual needs, children will receive daily lessons in reading, writing, math, science, and social studies. Students will also receive art, music, physical education, and STEAM classes.

After the student successfully completes the Young 5’s program they are eligible to move onto the traditional kindergarten program the following school year.

“It gives them the freedom to progress another year before they start kindergarten,” said Dr. Sandra Brock, director of instructional programs and services. “Young 5's will cover less educational standards than regular kindergarten. They work on letters and words to become flourishing readers.”

About 70 students had already been enrolled by mid-February. There isn’t an enrollment capacity, Brock said, adding that the district will accept and provide classes for all families that are interested.

The Young 5’s program is free to Northville residents and children of employees. Students attend full days five days a week and will also focus on social development, emotional development, fine/gross motor skills, oral language, fundamental literacy skills, and mathematical number sense.

Non-resident students can opt to attend a tuition-based early childhood program offered by NPS. Young 5’s attendees will have the same start and end time as the elementary schools and follow the Northville Public Schools’ calendar for days off.

Before and after school care is available to students at a cost and bussing will be offered to students who meet the district’s transportation criteria.


Consider this

Those turning five July 1 through December 1, 2024 are eligible for Young 5’s.

“We’re excited and families are excited about this new Young 5’s program,” Brock said.

Indicators that a child is ready for kindergarten include the following:
• They use words to ask and answer questions.
• They control impulses and self-regulate.
• They listen attentively to a story for five minutes or more.
• They listen to and follow two- or three-step directions.
• They work and play with peers.
• They express curiosity and excitement for learning.
• They express emotions with words.
• They can count 10 objects.
• They initiate conversations.
• They can describe what is happening in pictures.
• They recognize rhyming words.
• They make attempts to put on their coat, shoes and hats.
• They recognize and write their name.
• They can speak in simple sentences
• They properly hold and use a pencil, crayon or marker.

For more information call (248) 344-3526.