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Kindergarten students working on shapes project at Cape Hatteras Elementary School.
Kindergarten Registration & Kick-Off Events
Hannah Nash
Kindergarten students working on shapes project at Cape Hatteras Elementary School.

Dare County Schools invites families of rising kindergarten students to register for school and attend the upcoming Kindergarten Kick-Off events.
 
These events are designed to help families begin the kindergarten journey by completing the registration process, exploring classrooms, and learning more about what to expect during the upcoming school year. Children must be five years old on or before August 31, 2026 and residents of Dare County to be eligible to enroll in kindergarten for the 2026–2027 school year.
 

Kindergarten Registration Opens March 30

Online registration for kindergarten is now open. Families are encouraged to visit www.daretolearn.org to complete their child’s online registration before attending their school’s Kindergarten Kick-Off event.
 

What to Expect at Kindergarten Kick-Off

Kindergarten Kick-Off events provide a welcoming introduction to elementary school for both students and their families. During the event, families will be able to:
 
  • Explore a kindergarten classroom
  • Submit required registration documents
  • Learn about school nutrition services
  • Get information about Dare County Schools transportation
  • Discover the After School Enrichment Program (ASEP)
  • Learn about the Dual Language Immersion Program
  • Meet school staff and ask questions about the upcoming school year

2026 Kindergarten Kick-Off Schedule

  • Manteo Elementary School: April 14 | 5:00–6:30 p.m.
  • First Flight Elementary School: April 21 | 5:00–6:30 p.m.
  • Cape Hatteras Elementary School: April 28 | 4:00–5:30 p.m.
  • Kitty Hawk Elementary School: May 5 | 5:00–6:30 p.m.
  • Nags Head Elementary School: May 12 | 5:00–6:30 p.m.

Considering enrolling in the Dual Language Immersion (DLI) Program?

We invite you to see the Dual Language Immersion (DLI) program in action. Schools offering kindergarten DLI will host classroom observations prior to their Kindergarten Kick-Off event. During these observations, program leaders will be on-site to answer questions and share more about this exciting opportunity for your future kindergartener to become bilingual.

DLI Classroom Observation Schedule

  • Manteo Elementary School - April 14, 2026 from 8:30 - 9:30 AM
  • First Flight Elementary School - April 21, 2026 from 8:30 - 9:30 AM
  • Kitty Hawk Elementary School - April 14, 2026 from 1:10 - 2:10 PM
  • Nags Head Elementary School - May 12, 2026 from 8:30 - 9:30 AM

Please be sure to indicate your interest in the Dual Language Immersion (DLI) program by June 1, 2026.

Translation Support

Families needing language assistance with registration should complete the form linked here. Someone will contact you to schedule an appointment at the Newcomer Center. A Spanish translator will also be available at Kindergarten Kick-off events.

Dare County Schools looks forward to welcoming the next group of kindergarten students and their families as they begin their educational journey. Visit the Starting Kindergarten page on the Dare County Schools website for additional information and resources.