This fall, Dublin City Schools will introduce full-day kindergarten for the first time, marking a significant shift from its long-standing half-day program. The change, made possible through community support and careful planning, will give the district’s youngest learners more time to explore, grow, and learn—without the rush of a half-day schedule.

The shift to full-day kindergarten has been carefully planned not only to maximize learning opportunities but also to ensure fiscal responsibility. The district has absorbed teaching staff where possible, minimizing the need for additional hires, and will not require any new classroom spaces. Even under the half-day model, kindergarten classrooms were in use throughout the day, and Dublin City Schools previously ran an extended learning program for students needing additional support. That program will now be fully integrated into the regular school day, ensuring all students benefit from a well-rounded, structured learning experience.

Teachers and district leaders have worked thoughtfully to refine the full-day schedule, ensuring that kindergartners will have access to a broad range of experiences, including physical education, music, art, library visits, and additional recess time. Beyond academics, the extra time in the classroom will allow students to develop social skills, build confidence, and form stronger connections with their teachers and classmates.

To guide the transition, Dublin City Schools has taken a proactive approach. A two-day planning retreat brought together administrators, school leaders, and kindergarten teachers to refine the program’s structure. Additionally, district representatives visited schools across Central Ohio that have already implemented full-day kindergarten, learning from educators who have seen firsthand how the extended schedule benefits students. Teachers in these districts emphasized that having more time in the classroom allows for deeper learning, individualized instruction, and a smoother transition to first grade.

Dublin City Schools is one of the last districts in Central Ohio to make this transition, but the decision aligns with both educational research and community priorities. While the schedule change may feel like an adjustment, district leaders emphasize that full-day kindergarten will provide students with the time they need to thrive—academically, socially, and emotionally—while remaining fiscally prudent.

This fall, as the first full-day kindergarteners take their seats, they will be part of an exciting new chapter in Dublin City Schools. The district’s investment in early learning reflects a commitment to giving students the best possible start, ensuring they are prepared not just for first grade, but for the many years of learning ahead.