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Maine School Law permits children who are at least five (5) years old on October 15 of the school year to enroll in school. The intent is that these students begin their school careers in Kindergarten at this age.
However, it is recognized that exceptions to this initial placement may be justified under limited circumstances as is acceleration at any grade level. In such rare cases, enrolling five-year-old students may be placed in first grade at the discretion of school officials in accordance with the following:
A. Social and emotional maturity should have been demonstrated such as to predict success in Grade One.
B. The decision of placement lies with the principal and can be appealed to the Superintendent whose decision shall be final.
C. The school shall administer testing as may be appropriate to make a proper determination of placement.
D. Any such placement is to be conditioned upon demonstrated success, and reviewed at appropriate intervals.
E. All exceptional placements are to be reported to the Superintendent.
F. Notwithstanding the qualifications of applicants, issues of school size and population will be taken into consideration.
Legal reference: Title 20A MRSA Section 5201.2
Cross reference: IKE-Promotion, retention and acceleration of students
FIRST READING: February 17, 1994
SECOND READING: March 10, 1994
ADOPTION: March 10, 1994