Superintendents from six river city school districts in Northern Kentucky have come together to launch a shared regional resource to help families prepare for preschool and kindergarten registration and support kindergarten readiness.
The effort includes Ludlow, Covington, Newport, Bellevue, Dayton and Southgate public schools. It is also aligned with the Read Ready Network, a community-wide early literacy initiative that connects families, schools, libraries and local partners with resources and tools to build early learning skills and foster kindergarten readiness.
“Kindergarten readiness is a shared responsibility, and it starts long before the first day of school,” said the river city superintendents in a joint statement. “By working together across district lines, we are making it easier for families to access timely, accurate information and connect with the resources that help children thrive.”
Read Ready started as a city-based effort in Covington and has expanded significantly in the past year to include Ludlow, Newport, Dayton, Bellevue and now Southgate, creating a unified regional network focused on early learning and community collaboration. This coordinated approach helps children from birth through age 5 build the foundational skills needed for successful transitions into kindergarten and beyond.
By creating one centralized, family-friendly set of information, district leaders aim to remove barriers and make it easier for families to take the first step in their child’s education.
Families are encouraged to attend registration events in their resident district and bring any required documentation, such as proof of residency, birth certificates and immunization records.
Ludlow Independent Schools
Kindergarten/preschool registration date is March 4.
Registration times: Registration location: Pre-registration link: Ludlow preschool and kindergarten pre-registration link
Eligibility notes: All 4-year old children who live in Ludlow are encouraged to attend Ludlow preschool. 3-year old children may qualify. Please plan to attend to learn more.
Covington Independent Public Schools
Preschool/kindergarten registration date: Registration time(s): Registration information link: Kindergarten information: Caregivers may also visit the district enrollment center for assistance at 212 Levassor Place (near Holmes High School) or call (859) 292.5864 ext. 1 Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. (Before- or after-hours appointments available by request), walk-in open 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
After the application is submitted the caregiver will be contacted by an enrollment clerk to complete the registration process. Families are encouraged to visit their child’s elementary school for a tour and to learn more.
Events for registration:
Information on school registration can be found here. Preschool/kindergarten registration date: Registration time(s): Registration location: Registration link: Eligibility notes: Families that are interested in preschool are welcome to attend the open house. Children must be age 4 on or before Aug. 1 to attend. Children aged 3 may qualify based on suspected/identified disability. Speech/language screenings will be available for all preschool and incoming kindergarten students who come to the open house. This event is open to all Newport families with a preschool or incoming kindergarten student.
Preschool/kindergarten registration date: Preschool screenings will take place May 13-15. For more information regarding preschool screening, call (859) 341-2473 extension 314.
Registration time(s): Registration location: During registration, families will have the opportunity to meet teachers, receive information and other materials, ask questions, connect with support staff, and tour the facilities.
Registration link: Eligibility notes: Preschool/kindergarten registration date: Registration time(s): Registration location: Registration link: Preschool/kindergarten registration date: Registration time(s): Eligibility Notes:
Preschool:All 4-year-old children who live in Southgate are eligible and encouraged to attend Southgate Preschool, and must turn 4 by Aug. 1. 3-year-old children may qualify to attend.
Kindergarten: Students who are 5 by Aug. 1 are eligible to attend kindergarten.
During registration, families will have the opportunity to meet teachers, receive information and other materials, ask questions, connect with support staff, and tour facilities.
Preschool Screenings will be completed at the end of May. For more information regarding preschool screening, please email Mrs. Scott at courtney.scott@southgate.kyschools.us or Stephanie Watson at stephanie.watson@southgate.kyschools.us
Click the drop-down for the current preschool and kindergarten registration information for the river city school districts.
• 8:30–9:30 a.m.
• 2:15–3:15 p.m.
• 5–6 p.m.
Ludlow Independent Schools multipurpose room on the corner of Elm St. and Adela Ave.
Children who turn 5 by Aug. 1, should enroll in kindergarten.
Currently open online
Anytime online or you can call the district enrollment center, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
https://www.covington.kyschools.us/article/2675404
Kindergarten registration can be completed online here.
Eligibility notes:
State law requires children ages 6 to 16 to attend school. Any child who becomes 5 years of age on or before Aug. 1 is eligible for kindergarten in Covington Independent Public Schools.
Registration kicks off on March 18
5- 7 p.m.
New enrollments are encouraged to come to the open house on Wednesday, March 18 from 5 – 7 p.m. to register your child for kindergarten, see classrooms, play games and receive resources for the child’s transition into kindergarten.
https://www.newportwildcats.org/page/enrollment-and-student-services
Children who turned 5 by Aug. 1 should enroll in kindergarten.
March 4
3:30-5:30 p.m.
Grandview Elementary, 500 Grandview Ave.
www.bellevue.kyschools.us/o/bis/page/enroll-ment
Children who turn 5 by Aug. 1 and live in Bellevue will be eligible to enroll in kindergarten. Out-of-district students will need to complete the out-of-district application to be reviewed for potential enrollment.
Kindergarten: March 31
Preschool screening dates: May 19 through 21
5 to 6:30 p.m
Lincoln Elementary School, 701 5th Ave.
https://www.dayton.kyschools.us/page/come-grow-with-us
April 2
5:30 to 7 p.m.
Registration location:
Southgate Independent School District, 6 William F. Blatt Ave.