To enroll a student in Garfield 16 schools, the parent/guardian must complete an enrollment packet and provide the student's proof of age (i.e. birth certificate or other government documentation). Parents/guardians can visit the school or District Administrative Office for an enrollment packet. Completed enrollment packets can be submitted to the school or District Administrative Office (460 Stone Quarry Road, Battlement Mesa, CO 81635). 

For enrollment in Kindergarten, a student must be five years of age by August 15th*. For enrollment in first grade, a student must be six years of age by August 15th. Students enrolling in Garfield 16 schools who have previously been enrolled in another school district will be conditionally enrolled until all educational records are received by Garfield 16. 

Garfield 16 can deny a student's enrollment for the following reasons: 

1. The student has already graduated from the 12th grade and/or has documentation of completing the equivalent of a secondary education. 
2. The student fails to meet the age requirements. 
3. The student was expelled from another school within the past 12 months. 
4. The student had significant behavioral incidents that were detrimental to the welfare and safety of others in the past 12 months. 
5. The student did not comply with the previsions of Part 9, Article 4, Title 25, C.R.S. (immunization requirements). 

Nonresident students seeking to enroll in a Garfield 16 school may do so on a first-come, first-serve basis provided that the student's enrollment does not have an impact on staffing or programming. Nonresident students' parents/guardians are responsible for the student's transportation. 

For more information, please contact Ms. Kimberly Finn by email or by calling 970-285-5701 Ext. 5100. 

*Please see announcement below.

August 15th Entry Cutoff Date

Garfield 16 School District is adjusting the Kindergarten entry cutoff from October 1 to August 15th, starting in the 26-27 school year. Incoming kindergarten students must be 5 years old on or before August 15th.

To support families during this transition, preschool students who will turn 5 years old between August 16, 2026, and October 1, 2026, will be admitted into kindergarten for the 2026-27 school year. If you choose not to attend kindergarten, you will be responsible for paying for preschool tuition. 

Families permitted early admittance to kindergarten in future years will be in accordance with board policy and applicable state laws.

FAQ’s to support families:

What does it mean for me?

Starting with the 2026–27 school year, Garfield 16 will change the kindergarten entry birthday cutoff date from October 1st to August 15th. This means that children must be 5 years old on or before August 15th to enroll in kindergarten. For most families, this is not a change. It currently affects families whose children will turn 5 years old between August 16, 2026 - October 1, 2026.

Why is this change being made?

Children who are 5 years old by the time they start kindergarten are better prepared for success in both academic and social aspects of formal schooling.

What about Universal Pre-K funding?

Universal Pre-K (UPK) aligns with the local district’s cutoff date. This means that starting in 2026-27, students who are 4 years old on or before Aug 15th will be eligible for 4-year-old UPK funding for one year immediately preceding Kindergarten. Families who have already used 4-year-old UPK funding will not be eligible for an additional year of UPK funding.

Can my child enter Kindergarten when they are 4 years old?

Only students whose guardian(s) complete the Early Access process for highly gifted children may be considered for kindergarten admission as a 4-year-old due to state funding requirements.

My child will turn 5 years old between Aug 16th and Oct 1. Now that the cutoff date is Aug 15th, what does that mean for my child?

Preschool students who turn five between August 16, 2026, and October 1, 2026, may still request to start Kindergarten in the 2026-2027 school year. Families permitted early admittance to kindergarten in future years will be in accordance with state law and board policy.

I have more questions. Who do I go to?

Please call CFL’s front office at 970-285-5702