Click here to see our Summer 2025 Programs!

Stay up to date on our current events through our new Facebook page!

To fill out a request for a Denali Montessori playgroup spot, Click Here

About Countdown to Kindergarten:

The Countdown to Kindergarten (C2K) program provides opportunities for children to practice vital Kindergarten readiness skills through learning activities. This is a free program provided by the Anchorage School District. At each C2K event, learning activities are provided for children from 3-5 years of age. The event begins with a short song and story, then the learning activities are open for play! The whole family is welcome to join!

At each event, there is a staff member from the Anchorage Public Library as well as the Countdown to Kindergarten staff who are available at the activity stations and are happy to answer any and all questions about Kindergarten!

If you have any questions about Kindergarten or the upcoming events, email Jessica Nelson at nelson_jessica@asdk12.org. 

SEE BELOW FOR 2025 SCHEDULE AND RESOURCES

Materials:

1. Passport to Kindergarten
2. 10 Ways to Get Ready for Kindergarten Handout

Countdown to Kindergarten 

Event Schedule

PreK Craft + Story Time Fridays

Who is it for? 

This free activity is geared for preschool children (ages 2-5) and their families!

Come join us every Friday at The Workshop! (Closed on July 4th)

Craft class starts at 10:30 AM. Hands-on craft projects led by C2K in partnership with The Workshop team, FCFS up to 15 students. No sign-up needed in advance- just sign in at the door!

Story Time starts at 11:00 AM. Open to ALL kids and their families. Come enjoy three fun, interactive read alouds with friends!

When is it?

Fridays from 10:30AM -11:30 AM at The Workshop (in Huffman Square)

1120 Huffman Rd Ste 11

Upcoming Pop-Up Play to Learn Playgroups:

We will share here and on our Facebook page as we add more Pop-Up Playgroups @ the parks/playgrounds this summer on other days of the week!

Play to Learn staff will provide a structured activity geared towards ages 3-5, but siblings of all ages welcome! Come join the fun, rain or shine!

                  Staff available for play and to answer questions about kindergarten readiness.

Upcoming Play to Learn Playgroups:

Stay Tuned for Fall Schedule!

For more information about Countdown to Kindergarten, contact:

Jessica Nelson, nelson_jessica@asdk12.org

March: Decide on Your Child's School

Parents interested in having their child attend their neighborhood school do not need to sign up until school registration, held during the last week of July. Parents interested in having their child attend a school other than the neighborhood school must complete an online lottery application.

April: Attend Kindergarten Round-Up at Schools

All schools will host a Kindergarten Round-Up for families in the spring. Come meet the school principal, staff, kindergarten teachers, and other families. Learn about school routines, expectations, and curriculum. Visit classrooms and tour the school. Check the ASD website in late March for specific dates and times for all Kindergarten Round-Ups.

May-June: Explore Kindergarten Resources

Visit your child’s school playground over the summer so your child becomes familiar with the school site. Check out fun summer programs and activities in Anchorage for children. Think about what would be best for your child and family as you make this transition.  

July-August: Get Ready for School

Visit Welcome to the ASD page for current information on enrollment, registration, school start times, bus routes, and important school updates. You can also download the ASD mobile app to stay up to date. After enrollment look for information on Fall Kindergarten Orientation.

BLAST OFF!
Welcome to Kindergarten

print version of this information available here