Richmond County Schools will hold kindergarten registration and NC Pre-K application days this spring for families preparing for the 2026–2027 school year.
These events give families an opportunity to take an important step in their child’s educational path and allow children to begin becoming familiar with the school environment. While both events focus on early learners, kindergarten registration and NC Pre-K application days serve different purposes and are held separately.
Kindergarten Registration
Kindergarten registration will take place at each elementary school in Richmond County Schools on scheduled dates. Children entering kindergarten for the first time should attend registration with a parent or guardian.
As part of the registration process, students will participate in a brief, age-appropriate assessment that helps schools get to know incoming kindergarten students. For many children, this visit is also their first time inside their future school and an opportunity to meet staff ahead of the first day of class.
“Kindergarten is an exciting milestone for children and families,” said Dr. Kate Smith, assistant superintendent of curriculum and instruction. “Registration days give schools the chance to begin building relationships with students early and help children feel comfortable as they prepare to start school.”
Kindergarten registration will be held on the following dates and times:
East Rockingham Elementary School
Monday, March 23
8:30 a.m.– 2:30 p.m.
Appointment Required
910-557-0900
Mineral Springs Elementary School
Wednesday, March 25
9 a.m.–2 p.m.
No Appointment Required
910-582-7915
Monroe Avenue Elementary School
Wednesday, March 25
8:30 a.m.–2:45 p.m.
Appointment Required
910-582-7907
West Rockingham Elementary School
Wednesday, March 25
8:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Appointment Required
910-997-9802
Fairview Heights Elementary School
Tuesday, April 14
9 a.m.–2 p.m.
No Appointment Required
910-582-7900
Washington Street Elementary School
Thursday, April 16
8:15 a.m.–2:15 p.m.
Appointment Required
910-997-9836
LJ Bell Elementary School
Friday, April 17
8:30 a.m.–2 p.m.
No Appointment Required
910-997-9834
More information about kindergarten registration including enrollment requirements is available at https://bit.ly/RCSKRegistration.
RCS
NC Pre-K Application Days
NC Pre-K application days will also be held this spring for families interested in the early childhood program. NC Pre-K serves four-year-old children and provides a structured classroom experience that helps students become familiar with routines, expectations, and early academic concepts before entering kindergarten.
“NC Pre-K gives children the opportunity to experience a school environment early, helping them build independence and comfort with classroom routines before kindergarten,” shared Nicole Pait, director of Elementary ELA and NC Pre-K.
Unlike kindergarten registration, NC Pre-K is an application-based program. Children must attend application appointments and will complete a brief assessment. Families should bring the child’s birth certificate, immunization record, and proof of income for all parents or guardians living in the home. If a child is accepted into the program, the caregiver will have 30 days from the first day of school to submit a completed NC Children’s Medical Report.
Appointments are required for NC Pre-K application days. Families should schedule an appointment by contacting Julie Brigman at 910-582-7908 or juliebrigman@richmond.k12.nc.us.
NC Pre-K application days will be held on the following dates and locations:
March 24 and 25, and April 28 and 29
Rockingham Housing Authority, Falling Creek Park Gym
417 Hood St., Rockingham
March 3 and 4, and April 20 and 21
Dobbins Heights Community Center
222 Earle Franklin Drive, Hamlet
(NOTE: This story briefly featured an incorrect photo, but has been corrected. 5:28 p.m. 2-23-26.)
