Many children entering kindergarten at a younger age benefit from being given additional time to develop the self-confidence and readiness skills necessary for academic success. Poway Unified School District offers the Poway Extended Primary Program (PEPP), a developmental program designed primarily for our younger kindergarten students who turn five between June 1st and December 2nd, and students with individual needs who would benefit from two years in a kindergarten class.

PEPP has been in Poway schools for several years and is modeled after successful programs in other school districts. The program offers a developmental curriculum with instruction geared toward individual needs. PEPP is not intended as a remedial or special services program, but rather a developmentally appropriate first year of kindergarten, preparing students for a smooth transition to a traditional kindergarten classroom the following year.

PEPP is offered at several schools within our District. Placement in PEPP is offered first to students living within the attendance boundaries of the school offering a PEPP class. Parents may enroll their child during the first ten days of the scheduled kindergarten enrollment period at the school site, in May (see below).

Should there be availability, enrollment is then open to parents wishing to transfer students from other schools where PEPP is not available. Parents wishing to transfer their child into a PEPP class, MUST place their name on a District transfer list. To place your child on the transfer list, email the PUSD Attendance and Welfare Office at ndannhauser@powayusd.com. The PEPP transfer list opens February 1 of each year. Beginning May 27, the assigned PEPP school site will notify parents on the transfer list of an opening in PEPP. The parent will then be given 48 hours to enroll. Beginning June 1, parents may enroll their student in any PEPP school that has availability.

Students that participate in PEPP will be attending school daily on the half-day kindergarten schedule. They will also be eligible for Extended Student Services (ESS) for before and after school care.

Should you have any questions about PEPP, please call your local neighborhood school or Sal Embry, PEPP Coordinator, at (858) 487-1180.

Items Required for Kindergarten Registration (print version - click here)

1. His/her original birth certificate
2. His/her shot record. Your student will need all the shots required for attending school prior to registration which include:
   • 4 Doses – POLIO (3 doses if at least one dose was given on or after fourth birthday)
   • 5 Doses – DPT (4 doses if at least one dose was given on or after fourth birthday)
   • 2 Doses – MMR (Both doses must be given on or after first birthday)
   • 3 Doses - Hepatitis B
   • 1 Dose - Varicella (Chicken Pox)(If immunization has not been given, documentation from health care provider noting the date of the disease or immunity)
   • 1 Dose - Varicella (Chicken Pox)(If immunization has not been given, documentation from health care provider noting the date of the disease or immunity)
3. Two proofs of residency
   • Deed to a home;
   • Escrow papers for a home;
   • Tax receipt (property taxes or personal taxes);
   • Receipt for deposit with the local utility company and/or receipt for bills paid to the local utility company, i.e., propane, SDG&E;
   • Rental agreement with property owner or agent’s signature (notarized or verified under penalty of perjury);
   • Other government or business document which reliably establishes current residence, as determined by the District.