Starting Sept. 3, the Renton School District is kicking off Ready K, a full-day transitional kindergarten program for select Renton 4-year-olds.

Announced earlier in the year, Ready K (K is for Kindergarten) will run Monday through Friday, will follow the district’s calendar and will focus on “essential academics, social emotional skills, and learning habits to support children’s kindergarten success.”

Ready K students will get access to music classes, PE class and the school libraries. Students who qualify will also be provided with transportation from the district.

Eligibility is based on age, location, no access to quality pre-K experiences and a demonstrated need based on financial, academic, social or emotional needs.

Children who are eligible for the program must turn 4 years old on or before Aug. 31 of the current school year and must currently live within the district’s boundaries.

Students will be accepted based on a screening process, and families will be notified of acceptance by late August.

“Hundreds of families have enrolled their 4-year-olds in the program at elementary schools across the district,” said Randy Matheson of the Renton School District.

If a child is not accepted into the Ready K program, families are welcome to apply for the preschool programs at Campbell Hill Elementary and Meadow Crest Early Learning Center.

To apply, visit rentonschools.us/learning-and-teaching/preschool-and-early-learning/ready-k. Applications are available in English, Chinese, Russian, Spanish, Ukrainian and Vietnamese.

For more information, contact Early Learning Facilitator Katie Oliver at kaitlin.oliver@rentonschools.us or 425-204-3853.