Kindergarten FAQs

Eligibility Questions

When must my child turn 5 to enter Kindergarten?
Your child must be 5 years old on or before October 1, 2026 to enroll in Kindergarten for September 2026.

My child turns 5 in November. Will they be eligible for Kindergarten?
No. Your child does not meet the age requirement and must wait until the following school year.

Does my child need to attend Pre-K before Kindergarten?
No. Pre-K attendance is not required for Kindergarten enrollment.

My child already attends Hanover Township Pre-School. Do I need to register?
You must complete the online registration packet, but you are NOT required to attend the in-person verification and finalization appointment.

We just moved to Hanover Township. When does my child start school?
Your child starts once registration is complete and approved. Complete the online registration process and submit all required documents.

My child attended Kindergarten in another state. Will they repeat Kindergarten here?
Grade placement depends on your child's previous school records and age. The district reviews transcripts and makes placement decisions based on state requirements.

Residency Questions

What documents prove residency in Hanover Township?
You need two proofs of residency. View acceptable documents in the District Residency Requirements document linked on the registration page.

We are renting. What additional documents do we need?
You need a completed Landlord Affidavit in addition to your lease agreement and two proofs of residency.

My child lives with me part-time. Which district do they attend?
You must provide court documentation showing custody arrangements. The child attends school in the district where the custodial parent resides.

We are building a home in Hanover Township. When does my child start?
Review Policy 5111 regarding home construction. Your child becomes eligible once you establish legal residency in the district.

Our utility bills are in my spouse's name only. Will that work?
Yes. Utility bills in either parent's name are acceptable as long as both parents reside at the address.

We live with family temporarily. Does my child qualify?
Your situation requires additional documentation. Contact the registration office at registration@htboe.org or (973) 637-1561 to discuss affidavit requirements for your specific circumstances.

Registration Process Questions

When does Kindergarten registration open?
Registration for the 2026-2027 school year opens on Monday, December 15, 2025.

How do I register my child?
Complete the online registration packet first. Then schedule and attend a 20-minute in-person appointment at the Board of Education Office to verify documents and finalize registration.

Do I need an appointment to register?
Yes. After completing online pre-registration, you schedule a 20-minute in-person appointment to finalize registration. Appointments begin in January 2026.

Does my child need to attend the registration appointment?
No. Your child does not need to attend the registration appointment at the Board of Education Office.

I started registration but didn't finish. How do I continue?
Log into your existing account on the registration portal. Your progress was saved automatically. You save and continue later, even switching to your phone to scan or photograph documents.

How long does the registration process take?
The online registration takes 30-45 minutes if all documents are ready. The in-person appointment takes approximately 20 minutes.

I don't have all documents ready. Should I wait to start?
You start registration and save your progress at any point. Return when you have additional documents.

What happens after I submit registration?
You receive an email confirmation. The District Registrar reviews your submission within 3-5 business days. You then receive instructions to schedule your in-person appointment.

How do I know if my registration was successful?
You receive an email confirmation after successful submission of the online form. After your in-person appointment, you receive final confirmation when all documentation is verified.

When should I schedule my registration appointment?
Scheduling priority goes to parents who complete registration early. Register as soon as possible after December 15 so the district plans for adequate staffing and classroom space.

Document Questions

Why do you need my child's original birth certificate?
State law requires verification of identity and age. We accept original birth certificates with raised seals or passports.

Will photocopies or digital copies of the birth certificate work?
No. You must provide the original birth certificate with a raised seal or an original passport.

My child hasn't had their 5-year checkup yet. What do I do?
Upload current immunization records now. Submit the complete physical exam after the 5-year checkup.

What immunizations does my child need?
View the NJ Immunization Requirements document linked on the registration page. Your pediatrician has the current New Jersey immunization schedule.

My child has a medical exemption for vaccines. What documentation do I need?
Provide documentation from your physician explaining the medical exemption. Religious exemptions follow state guidelines.

What if I don't have custody documents?
Contact the registration office at registration@htboe.org or (973) 637-1561 for guidance on your specific situation.

My child has an IEP. What additional forms do I need?
Upload a copy of the current IEP during the online registration process.

I cannot upload documents. What should I do?
Contact the registration office at registration@htboe.org or (973) 637-1561 for assistance. We help families with technical difficulties.

What documents do I bring to the in-person appointment?
Bring all required documentation listed in the online registration. The full list appears in the registration portal and on the Kindergarten Registration Form.

School Assignment Questions

Which school will my child attend?
School assignment depends on your home address and attendance zones. The district operates a neighborhood school model but reserves the right to modify placement based on space and enrollment.

What are the attendance zones?
Bee Meadow School: East of I-287 and North of Eden Lane
Mountview Road School: West of I-287
Salem Drive School: East of I-287, Eden Lane and South of Eden Lane

We live on Parsippany Road or Eden Lane. Which school will my child attend?
These streets are soft-bordered zones. Students on Parsippany Road (between Whippany Road and Mt. Pleasant Ave.) and Eden Lane (between Whippany Road and Jefferson Road) may be assigned to either Bee Meadow School or Salem Drive School, depending on available space.

My older child attends a different school. Will my Kindergartner go there too?
Yes. Younger siblings are assigned to their older sibling's current school.

Does the district have school choice?
The district uses a neighborhood school model. School assignment is based on your home address and attendance boundaries, though the district reserves the right to modify placement based on space and enrollment.

My child has special needs. Does that affect school placement?
Contact the registration office to discuss individual needs and appropriate placement.

Health and Medical Questions

When does my child need a physical exam?
Your child needs a physical exam from their 5-year checkup. The exam must be current and meet state requirements.

What health forms do I complete?
Complete the Health Services forms and Mantoux Form. Your pediatrician completes the physical exam and immunization records.

My child has allergies. Who do I notify?
Include allergy information on the health forms during registration. The school nurse contacts you before the school year starts.

Does my child need a dental exam?
Check the health requirements documentation for dental exam requirements for Kindergarten entry.

My child takes daily medication. What is the process?
Contact the school nurse after registration is approved. Medication administration requires specific forms and physician orders.

Technical Questions

The website isn't working. What should I do?
Try a different browser (Chrome, Firefox, Safari). Clear your browser cache. Contact the registration office at registration@htboe.org if problems continue.

What file format do documents need to be?
Upload documents as PDF or JPEG files. Most phone cameras and scanners create acceptable file formats.

The upload button isn't working. What's wrong?
Check your file size. Large files may cause problems. Compress images or split documents into smaller files.

Do I need a computer to register?
No. You complete registration on any device with internet access, including smartphones and tablets. You switch between devices and pick up where you left off.

Timeline Questions

When will I hear back after submitting registration?
Allow 3-5 business days for the District Registrar to review your submission.

When are in-person appointments available?
In-person registration appointments begin in January 2026. You schedule your appointment after the District Registrar reviews your online pre-registration.

When will I meet the school principal and staff?
After your documentation is verified and school assignment is determined, the elementary school contacts you to schedule a welcome meeting with the principal and staff. This separate visit gives your family an opportunity to tour the school and meet educators.

When does Kindergarten orientation happen?
The school contacts you with orientation dates after your registration is complete.

When does school start?
View the 2026-2027 district calendar on our website for the first day of school.

When should I register?
Register as soon as registration opens on December 15. Early registration helps secure appointment times and allows the district to plan for staffing and classroom space.

Contact Questions

Who do I contact with registration questions?
Contact the Registration Office:
Phone: (973) 637-1561
Email: registration@htboe.org

Where is the Board of Education Office located?
61 Highland Avenue, Whippany, NJ 07981

What are the registration office hours?
Contact the registration office at (973) 637-1561 for office hours.

I need to update information after submitting. Who do I contact?
Contact the registration office at registration@htboe.org or (973) 637-1561. Provide your child's name and the information you need to update.

My question isn't answered here. What should I do?
Contact the registration office at registration@htboe.org or (973) 637-1561. Staff are available to answer specific questions about your situation.