Update - March 11, 2026

Over the past year, the Carlsbad Unified School District explored the possibility of expanding to a full-day kindergarten model. The goal of this work was to better understand the potential benefits, challenges, and resources needed to support a full kindergarten day.

At the March 11, 2026 meeting of the Board of Trustees, the Board reviewed the findings from the pilot program, community feedback, and research on full-day kindergarten. After discussion, the Board voted not to move forward with a full-day kindergarten program at this time.

For the 2026–27 school year, all Carlsbad Unified elementary schools will continue to offer kindergarten using the Early Bird/Late Owl schedule.

Families interested in enrolling a child in kindergarten are encouraged to attend their school’s Kindergarten Round-Up event, where they will learn more about the kindergarten program, meet staff, and receive information about registration.

For additional information about kindergarten enrollment, please visit the Enrollment section on the CUSD website or contact your neighborhood school.

We are grateful to the teachers, staff, families, and students who participated in the pilot program and shared feedback throughout this process. 

2025–2026 | Jefferson & Hope Elementary Schools

Carlsbad Unified launched a Full-Day Kindergarten Pilot at Jefferson and Hope Elementary Schools beginning in the 2025–2026 school year. All kindergarten classes at both pilot schools follow the 1st-5th grade schedule.

A presentation of the pilot program will be shared with the School Board at their March 11, 2026 meeting. At that meeting, the Board will make a determination of the proposed Kindergarten schedule for the 2026-2027 school year. All school sites will hold their kindergarten information sessions after that meeting date.