Kindergarten

Thanks to generous support from the community, which led to the success of the 2014 bond issue, FHSD is able to offer both half-day and all-day programming options to families in the district.

Currently, Ohio law states that school districts must provide tuition-free, half-day kindergarten for all who request it. Forest Hills also offers a tuition-based, all-day kindergarten program for families. Families choose which option is best for their child and family at the time of registration.

Visit the PK-6 curriculum and instruction web page.

Every child is unique and has a different personality, learning behavior and skill set. Therefore, the decision on which kindergarten program to enroll a child is a parental and personal decision, based on the unique needs and situations for each child. There is no wrong answer and both programs meet the same curricular goals. Parents may want to consider the readiness information in the Grades PK-6 Student-Parent Handbook and the age of their child. Children must be five years old on or before August 1 of the given school year to register for kindergarten.

The tuition for all-day kindergarten is $3,165. Tuition can be paid in a lump sum at the beginning of the school year or in monthly or quarterly installments. Payments will be made online via PaySchoolsCentral. Financial assistance is available to those who apply and qualify for the Free/Reduced Lunch Program. 

The 2014 bond issue allowed for additional classroom space to accommodate the gradual implementation of all-day kindergarten. However, money from bond issues can only be used for facilities, not operational expenses. Therefore, tuition would offset the additional operating costs and defer operating costs from taxpayers. Financial assistance will be available to those who apply and qualify for the Federal Free/Reduced Lunch Program.

The half-day program will not have a cost associated with it as the state of Ohio provides partial funding for half-day programs. FHSD does not receive additional funding from the state of Ohio for all-day kindergarten (the additional half-day of kindergarten to make it all-day). 

Parents will now have a choice of either half-day or all-day kindergarten, with transportation provided for both programs.

Yes. Many districts throughout the area and state have a tuition associated with all-day kindergarten to offset the additional cost to taxpayers. (For example, Milford Schools: $3,150; Sycamore Community Schools: $3,700; Wyoming City Schools: $3,500.)

Yes. Financial assistance will be available to those who apply and qualify for the Federal Free/Reduced Lunch Program. 

Both all-day and half-day kindergarten programs have academic fees (currently $50) for academic materials. The all-day program requires a $75 deposit (check) at the time of registration, which is applied to tuition. Financial assistance is available to those who apply and qualify for the Federal Free/Reduced Lunch Program. 

Parents and legal guardians of students begin the student registration process online. Once a parent completes the online registration process, they should upload required registration documents (see below). Families choose which program option (all-day or half-day) is best for their child and family at the time of registration. While it is not the preferred option, there may be a need for the district to transport students out of their attendance zones in order to balance all-day kindergarten class sizes.

Required Registration Documents:

• parent/guardian driver’s license
• child\'s current immunization records
• child\'s official birth certificate
• custody papers (if applicable)
• proof of residence (mortgage deed, rental/lease agreement)
• ETR/IEP/504 reports/documents (if applicable)
• ALL-DAY KINDERGARTEN ONLY: $75 deposit (check) toward tuition 
• ALL-DAY Kindergarten Tuition Statement

Students are assigned to morning or afternoon classes according to their street address for transportation purposes. Parents are urged to share special circumstances with the school principal. For more information, call the Forest Hills Transportation Department at (513) 231-3335.

While Forest Hills’ goal is to have approximately 19 students per kindergarten class, adjustments may be made based on enrollment.

To help students transition to the school environment, Forest Hills has a staggered start for kindergarten students. Teachers will notify parents of their child’s starting date and time. 

Students have a combined lunch and recess time. At the beginning of each day, students inform their teacher if they are buying lunch or if they brought a lunch to school. If a child is buying lunch, parents will add money to the student’s account online (see instructions here). School staff will assist students in buying lunch. There are several adults in the cafeteria to help with opening lunch items, if needed.

Children in households receiving benefits through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) or Ohio Works First (OWF) benefits can receive free school meals regardless of income. Children can also receive free meals if the household’s gross income is within the free limits on the Federal Income Guidelines. For more information, visit the Food Service web page.

Supply lists are posted each summer at on thee PK-6 Resources page.

There are many different ways to get involved in FHSD! Volunteer information will be communicated through school newsletters. Learn more by visiting the website's volunteer page, which includes information on necessary requirements and contact information for different groups.

The local YMCA operates a before- and after-school program, paid for by parents who utilize the program. For costs and additional information, parents should call the M.E. Lyons YMCA at (513) 474-1400. In the event that school is closed, before- and after-school care is also closed. 

Yes. The district provides transportation for all students who live more than one mile from school. While it is not the preferred option, there may be a need for the district to transport students out of their home school attendance zone in order to balance all-day kindergarten class sizes. Current transportation routes are available here. Please note, routes are subject to change.

Parents who suspect their child has a special need should contact Student Services at (513) 231-3600.

It is believed that all students will be placed in their preferred kindergarten option. FHSD will know more once students begin to enroll. While is not the preferred option, there may be a need for the district to transport students out of their attendance zones in order to balance all-day kindergarten class sizes.