FONTANA, CA – Fontana Unified School District is expanding its early learning programs to offer full-day kindergarten at three additional schools in 2018-19.

Almond, Mango and Maple elementary schools will offer full-day kindergarten for the first time, joining Citrus, Juniper, Sierra Lakes and Tokay elementary schools to offer a combined 24 classes this year. Spaces remain available at all schools except Almond, which is currently full, for interested families.

Fontana Unified will offer half-day programs at 23 schools as it continues to look to offer full-day kindergarten over the next few years.

The full-day kindergarten model allows more time for English language arts, math, social studies and science instruction than the traditional half-day schedule. The expanded day also allows for structured interactive play that addresses social skills.

Dr. Tonia Causey-Bush, Director of Teaching and Learning, said that recent Measures of Academic Performance (MAP) data show that FUSD students have benefitted academically, socioemotionally and behaviorally from the full-day kindergarten model.

Winter 2017 MAP data indicated that Fontana’s full-day kinder students attained significantly higher math and reading scores than their half-day peers. Full-day students also sustained higher levels of academic growth through the end of the school year, according to spring 2018 MAP scores.

Enrollment applications will be accepted at Citrus Elementary, 16041 Randall Ave.; Juniper Elementary, 7655 Juniper Ave.; Mango Elementary, 7450 Mango Ave.; and Maple Elementary, 751 S. Maple Ave.; Sierra Lakes Elementary, 5740 Avenal Place; and Tokay Elementary, 7846 Tokay Ave.

Children must turn 5 years old on or before Sept. 1 to register for kindergarten. Parents can enroll their children by visiting the Fontana Unified Enrollment Center from 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. For more information, call (909) 357-7600, ext. 29300.