Kindergarten registration opens in Columbia Basin
Kindergarten registration has opened across Columbia Basin school districts with district leaders urging parents to begin gathering required documents. Representatives from both Ephrata School District and Moses Lake School District recommend families begin the registration process early to ensure placement, complete paperwork and connect with school staff before the first day of school.
FILE PHOTO
EPHRATA — School districts across the Columbia Basin have opened kindergarten registration for the 2026-27 school year, urging families, especially first‑time parents, to begin gathering required documents and contacting their local schools ahead of spring break.
In Ephrata, families registering new students must provide proof of residency, a birth certificate and immunization records. Proof of address can include a city utility bill, Grant County Public Utility District bill, internet bill or a rental agreement listing the physical address.
“We require proof of residency within the Ephrata School District boundaries,” said Sarah Morford, the district director of public relations. “Really, anything that has the service address, the physical address listed is acceptable.”
Morford said the district also accepts hospital birth certificates and will verify Washington immunization records through the state database. Families with out‑of‑state immunization records must bring printed documentation.
Required vaccines include hepatitis B, DTaP, polio, MMR and varicella, according to the district. Families can also access their records through myIR Mobile or the Washington State Immunization Database.
For families living outside Ephrata who want to enroll their child there, Morford said the process involves submitting an online interest form and completing an Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction transfer request.
“Officially, that school district has to release the child before they can move,” she said.
In Moses Lake, the district requires similar documentation, including proof of address, birth certificates and immunization records. Chris Kalmbach, assistant executive director of elementary teaching and learning, said the district prefers documentation that clearly ties a family to a physical location.
“We shy away from using things like a cell phone bill, because that doesn’t really tie you to a particular location,” Kalmbach said.
Acceptable documents include PUD bills, bank statements, mortgage papers or rental agreements.
Kalmbach encouraged families to attend the district’s kindergarten roundup April 16, calling it a highlight for staff and students.
“Our kindergarten teachers just look forward to meeting their students,” he said. “Sometimes the kindergarten kids think that they’re coming back the next day. They’re bummed out when they have to wait like four months, that’s a long time in the life of a five‑year‑old.”
He added that families should never hesitate to ask questions.
“Having your kindergartner go to school the first time is a big deal… you’re entrusting your child to complete strangers,” he said. “There isn’t a question that seems too silly.”
Districts recommend families begin the process early to ensure placement, complete paperwork and connect with school staff before the first day of school in late summer.
How to register:
Ephrata School District
Online Registration
Family Access on Skyward under “New Student Registration” tab
509-754-2474
Lind-Ritzville School District
Online Registration
Family Access on Student Skyward account
More information on “Student Registration" tab on LRSSchools.org.
Moses Lake School District
Online or In-Person Registration
mlsd161.org/enrollment
Visit 1620 S. Pioneer Way
509-766-2650
Othello School District
Othello SD District Office
1025 S. 1st Ave., Othello
509-488-2659
Quincy School District
Mountain View Elementary, Cathie Wind - [email protected]
Pioneer Elementary, Ana Espinoza - [email protected]
Ancient Lakes Elementary, Christina Morales - [email protected] Monument Elementary, Vanessa Ibarra - [email protected]
George Elementary, Sonja Arizmendi - [email protected]
Central Registrar, Debbie Henne - [email protected]
Royal School District
Contact Mayra Martinez, Royal School District Registrar
509-346-2436
921 Ahlers Ave., Royal City
Soap Lake School District
Paper enrollment
120 Main Ave E., Soap Lake
Monday-Friday 8 a.m.-4 p.m.
509-246-1822
Wahluke School District
Contact Mireya Loera, Wahluke School District Registrar
[email protected]
509-932-4565 ext. 3010
411 Saddle Mountain Drive, Mattawa
Warden School District
Kindergarten Registration
Warden Elementary School
Portable 503
March 30-April 4
9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.