Kindergarten is a very important year in a young learner's life.  "Early childhood is a significant period in human development.  Independence, initiative, decision making, creativity, the ability to learn, the ability to relate to others and feelings of self-worth all have their beginnings in early childhood. What young children learn at this stage will have a major impact on successful learning experiences in school, on personal development and future participation in society" (Alberta Education).

"We welcome all students!"

The Grande Prairie Public School Division is the only division in the Grande Prairie region to offer half-day every day (5 days a week) programming and full-day (2-3 days a week) programming.  We welcome and accept all students.  Kindergarten in French, English, as well as Christian Education and Montessori Education, are offered.

The Early Years

Lifelong learning begins the moment we are born. The first six years of our lives are a time of unparalleled discovery. We learn about ourselves and the world around us. Our personalities take shape and we begin to lay the foundation of knowledge that will support us as we enter the education system. Acknowledging and recognizing this, GPPSD and Alberta Education are committed to exploring options that provide children with access to early learning opportunities.

Attendance Matters

Getting ready for Kindergarten and making attendance matter every day. pdf

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Question: How old does my child need to be to attend Kindergarten?

Answer: To attend Kindergarten in the Province of Alberta children must be at least 4 years 8 months of age and less than 6 years of age on September 1, 2023.

Question: Do we offer early entrance opportunities?

Answer: The kindergarten entrance age is set by the Province and children must have turned 5 by December 31, 2023. There is no longer flexibility for early entrance into Kindergarten.

Question: Will my Kindergarten child with a severe disability/delay receive supports? 

Answer: All Kindergarten students attend for 475 hours in a given school year. Supports may be provided based on the child’s identified need. The teacher in collaboration with qualified professionals or educational assistants designs educational programming in the classroom.

• Kindergarten is publicly funded.
  
• All students receive effective instruction in literacy and numeracy.
  
• Students become ready to read independently because they experience language through talking, listening, watching and interacting.  Stories and books in kindergarten are the backbone of early reading.
• Students play with numbers while learning foundational skills in number sense and patterning.
• Children play with language through games, songs, rhymes, books and stories.
• Our Kindergarten teachers are highly skilled at supporting early learning literacy and numeracy.
• All our programs are well-rounded, recognizing and supporting each child's prior knowledge and skills, learning pace, personal traits, interests, goals and preferred learning styles.
• Students interact with community partners. Guests are invited into the classroom, and students are taken on field trips. Some of the Community Partners our students meet are RCMP, GP Fire Department, Muskoseepi Park, Local Grocers and more.
  

2023-2024 School Year

Schools/Programs of Choice 2022-2023