WELCOME

Our Philosophy:
We believe in the process of inquiry-based learning in an experiential, hands on environment. Our integrated curriculum reaches across disciplines and age levels where students are motivated to achieve their highest potential, meet academic and social challenges with openness, and willingness to become productive citizens.

 

Ypsilanti International Elementary School 503 Oak Street Ypsilanti, MI 48198 Phone: 734-221-2400 Fax: 734-221-2403

Kindergarten Round-up Choices

It's That Time Again! Kindergarten Round-up - ENROLL NOW!

Kindergartner readingKindergarten Round-up Program Choices

Kindergarten is an important milestone in a child's life, and as a parent, you want to make sure that your child receives the best education possible. There are many different options available for parents at Ypsilanti Community Schools when it comes to registering their child for kindergarten. At kindergarten roundup, children experience excitement beginning their new school year with eagerness for school activities.

To learn more about our Kindergarten programs attend one of our Kindergarten Round-up sessions listed on our website and flyers.

Please click on link below for more information about Kindergarten Choices and Guidelines.
Kindergarten Round-up Program Choices Information QR Code

YCS Preschool and Kindergarten Age Eligibility Guidelines 2024-2025

YCS Preschool and Kindergarten Age Eligibility Guidelines
2024-2025 School Year

Welcome to Ypsilanti Community Schools Preschool and Kindergarten Programs. We look forward to getting to know you and your family.  The information below will assist you in the registration process.

Preschool

Eligibility: Age 3 by December 1st, 2024

· DOB Eligibility: 12/1/2020 through 11/30/2021

Eligibility: Age 4 by December 1st, 2024 

· DOB Eligibility: 12/1/2019 through 11/30/2020

Link to Preschool Interest Form

Our preschool program focuses on the social, emotional and academic needs of the Three and Four-year-old child. Our teaching staff provides developmentally appropriate activities in Math, Science, Reading and Writing. Your child will learn Kindergarten Readiness skills and help build a solid foundation for success in his/her educational journey.
 

Young Fives

Young Fives is a two-year program designed for children turning 5 years old between June 1 and December 1st. 

· DOB Eligibility: 6/1/2019 through 12/1/2019

The program provides a strong foundation for future success in all areas of learning. Children are taught with hands-on materials, songs, and games. They are assessed by observation and work samples. Upon completion of the two-year program, children enter first grade.

Students who turn 5 after August 31st should enroll in the preschool program. 
 

Kindergarten

Eligibility: According to Michigan Compiled Law under MCL 380.1147 and 388.1606 enrollment age for incoming kindergarten students are as follows:

· Students must turn 5 by September 1, 2024. 

· DOB Eligibility: 12/1/2018 through 9/1/2019

Exceptions Provided for Kindergarten Enrollment Age

If a child is not 5 years of age by September 1st, but will be 5 not later than December 1st.  Kindergarten Waiver Request form must be submitted prior to beginning school. 

A school district that receives this written notification may make a recommendation to the parent or legal guardian that the child is not ready to enroll in kindergarten due to the child's age or other factors. The school will work with the parent/guardian to make the best placement decision for your child. 

 

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  • 25 Mar
    thru Mar 29
  • 1 Apr
  • 12 Apr
    • WEOC Meeting 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM
      WEOC Meeting
      Date: Apr 12
      Time: 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM
      Calendar: YCS District Calendar

      Unless noted all meetings will begin at 11:00 am at the WISD unless noted below:
      Location:1819 S. Wagner Road Ann Arbor, MI 48106

      Join with Google Meet: https://meet.google.com/kbh-vahr-gvh Or dial: (US) +1 563-293-5035 PIN: 224420923# Learn more about Meet at: https://support.google.com/a/users/answer/9282720
  • 19 Apr

Calendar

Washtenaw Educational Options Consortium Meetings

WEOC meeting notices are posted at: https://www.weoc.info
Unless noted all meetings will begin at 11:00 am at the WISD unless noted below:
Location:1819 S. Wagner Road Ann Arbor, MI 48106

Dates:

  • Friday, September 15, 2023
  • Friday, September 29, 2023 at 1:30 pm (Special Meeting, EMU, 900 Oakwood Ave. Ypsilanti - EMU Student Center, Room 300)
  • Friday, October 13, 2023
  • Friday, November 17, 2023
  • Friday, December 8, 2023
  • Friday, January 12, 2024
  • Friday, February 9, 2024
  • Friday, March 15, 2024
  • Friday, April 12, 2024
  • Friday, May 10, 2024
  • Friday, June 7, 2023

Click on link below for more information.

 

Admissions Process 2024-25

*Before enrolling, click here for age eligibility guidelines for your student: YCS Preschool and Kindergarten Age Eligibility Guidelines

YIES Enrollment Priorities

PDF DocumentYIES Admissions Process - (PDF)

Kindergarten-5th Enrollment Priority
  1. Sibling Priority-Scholars whose siblings are currently enrolled at YIES, and have a confirmed placement for the requested school year, pending space availability.

  2. YCS Employee Priority-Scholars whose legal guardian is currently employed by Ypsilanti Community Schools  (a lottery will be held if necessary). 

  3. Resident Priority-Scholars who live within the boundaries of Ypsilanti Community Schools (a lottery will be held if necessary).

  4. School of Choice (SOC)- Scholars who live outside of the boundaries of Ypsilanti Community Schools (a lottery will be held if necessary).

February 2024

February 5th

YIES Re-Enrollment Survey

Complete the YIES Re-Enrollment Survey for current YIES students only located at: 2024-25 Re-Enrollment Survey.

YIES Re-Enrollment Survey opens February 5th for current YIES students.  This survey is required for EACH child currently attending YIES to reserve an enrollment slot for the 2024-25 school year.

This survey will close at 11:59pm on March 1st.  If you do not submit a survey for your child(ren), we will not reserve an enrollment slot for the 2024-25 school year, which means your child will be removed from the YIES enrollment roster for the 2024-25 school year.

*5th Grade Students Do Not Complete a Re-Enrollment Survey

 

YIES 2024-25 NON-YIES Sibling Enrollment Interest Survey

NON-YIES 2024-25 Sibling Interest Survey

This survey is intended for students who are not enrolled at YIES. If your child(ren) is currently enrolled at YIES, stop here and go to the YIES 2024-25 Re-Entry Student Confirmation Form.

Siblings of currently enrolled YIES students receive priority enrollment. Completing this survey helps us project how many enrollment slots we will have available in each grade level for the 2024-25 school year.

This is only an interest survey. This is not an application for admissions, or placement. Once the 2024-25 application for admissions is opens in April, the parent/guardian will need to fill out the new student application to be considered for placement, and to finalize placement.

NON-YIES 2024-25 Sibling Interest Survey

 

February 22

Kindergarten Round-up

503 Oak Street, Ypsilanti, MI
4:45pm-5:45pm

The IB Primary Years Programme (PYP) for children aged 3 - 12 nurtures and develops young students as caring, active participants in a lifelong journey of learning. The Kindergarten Open House will introduce parents/guardians to the IB PYP programme and Curriculum for elementary students. 

Parents/Guardians will not be able to register at the Open House. YIES is an application school. The 2024-25 for K-5 admissions application opens April 1, 2024.  

March 2024

March 1st 
The re-enrollment survey will close at 11:59pm on March 1st.  If parents/guardians do not submit a re-enrollment survey for their child(ren), YIES will not reserve an enrollment slot for the 2024-25 school year, which means the student(s) will be removed from the YIES enrollment roster for the 2024-25 school year. 

March 20th & 21st

Kindergarten Round-up

March 20 & 21, 2024
503 Oak Street, 4:45pm-5:45pm 

The IB Primary Years Programme (PYP) for children aged 3 - 12 nurtures and develops young students as caring, active participants in a lifelong journey of learning.  The Kindergarten Open House will introduce parents/guardians to the IB PYP programme for elementary students. 

Parents/Guardians will not be able to register at the Open House. YIES is an application school. The 2024-25 K-5 admissions application opens April 1, 2024.

April 2024

April 1st

YIES 2024-25 application opens for any additional slots available.  Click on link for Website and Application:

April 25th

Kindergarten Round-up

April 25, 2024
503 Oak Street, 4:45pm-5:45pm 

The IB Primary Years Programme (PYP) for children aged 3 - 12 nurtures and develops young students as caring, active participants in a lifelong journey of learning.  The Kindergarten Open House will introduce parents/guardians to the IB PYP programme for elementary students. 

Parents/Guardians will not be able to register at the Open House. YIES is an application school. The 2024-25 K-5 admissions application opens April 1, 2024.

May 2024

Kindergarten Round-up

May 30, 2024
503 Oak Street, 4:45pm-5:45pm 

The IB Primary Years Programme (PYP) for children aged 3 - 12 nurtures and develops young students as caring, active participants in a lifelong journey of learning.  The Kindergarten Open House will introduce parents/guardians to the IB PYP programme for elementary students. 

Parents/Guardians will not be able to register at the Open House. YIES is an application school. The 2024-25 K-5 admissions application opens April 1, 2024.

June 2024

June 1st
Deadline to submit a K-5 application for early notification is June 1, 2024. 

Deadline to submit a YIES sibling application for priority placement, June 1, 2024.

June 7th
Lottery
 (if necessary) for all slots available

A live streamed lottery will be held. A link to view the live streaming will be posted closer to the date.  

June 28

Accepted and waitlist communications emailed to parent/guardian.

*If slots remain, the enrollment application will remain open until August 16, 2024.
 

August 2024

August 15th
Kindergarten Readiness Assessment for registered incoming kindergarten students.  This assessment is in-person and by appointment only. Staff will contact accepted applicants to schedule.

August 16th
Application for 2024-25 admission closes.

Frequently Asked Questions:

1. What type of school is YIES?

We are a public, non-tuition, K-5 International Baccalaureate(IB) authorized school offering a whole child emphasis, exceptional academic standards, mission-centered curriculum and 21st-century skill-based assessments.  All YIES courses are designed to meet the Primary Years Programme (PYP) International Baccalaureate standards. 

  • Free K-5 public school 
  • K through 5th Grade International Baccalaureate (IB) Program Option, and priority enrollment to WIMA, a public consortium, International Baccalaureate (IB) Middle School. 
  • Spanish classes for all grades
  • Unified Arts for all grade levels: Music, P.E., Art, Spanish, Science
  • Kids Clubs: Student Council, Legos Club, Girl Scouts, YMCA, EMU Bright Futures, and more!
  • YMCA-Ann Arbor Before and After School program on site 
  • A full range of Special Education Services in the least restrictive environment
  • Family and Community Environment
  • Caring, Dedicated, and Highly Qualified Staff

2. Can students entering K-5th grade apply to YIES?

Yes, but space is limited and based on returning enrollment.

3. What if we do not have access to a computer or the internet, in order to complete the application?

If you do not have internet access, or need assistance completing the admissions application, call the main office at 734-221-2401. Leave a detailed message, including your name and contact number, and a YIES staff will return your call to support you with the application process. 

4. Does YIES offer sports?

YIES students are able to play sports through Ypsilanti Community Schools. Please visit http://ypsigrizzlies.com/, for more information.

5. Does YIES offer any extra curricular activities?

YIES currently offers a variety of before and after school programs:

  • Kids Clubs:  Student Council, Legos Club, Girl Scouts, YMCA, EMU Bright Futures, and more!
  • YMCA-Ann Arbor Before and After School program on site (program availability is based on staffing and application demand).

6. What languages does YIES offer?

Spanish is the only world language currently offered at YIES. 

YIES Online Art Gallery

Gallery created by Mrs. Fisk
This is an extensive collection of artwork created by students during distance learning. 

Ypsilanti International Elementary School

503 Oak Street
Ypsilanti, MI 48198
Phone: 734-221-2400
Fax: 734-221-2403

Ally Cardona, Secretary
Dr. Cassandra Sheriff, Principal

Dr. Cassandra Sheriff

Grade Levels
Kindergarten through 5th Grade 

Start and End Time
9:20 a.m. - 4:20 p.m.

Early Dismissal
9:20. a.m. - 12:35 p.m. 

Paul Garrett
Director of Dining Services
734-221-1024

Tiffany Houston
Director of Dining Services

Vision

Ypsilanti International Elementary School facilitates the development of lifelong learners who:

  • Are creative problem solvers with a broad perspective of the world around them
  • Are respectful, moral individuals who take pride in their national heritage
  • Are equipped to participate in the community as team players and effective leaders

Mission

The mission of Ypsilanti International Elementary School is to strive to create a peaceful world by empowering students to be compassionate, innovative and reflective lifelong learners.  We are a community that promotes, respects and values cultural diversity and open-mindedness.  Through exemplary International Baccalaureate instruction we ensure that every YIES student becomes a culturally literate, inquirer and knowledgeable citizen.  

Purpose Statement

At YIES we are committed to creating lifelong learners who are open-minded, caring, and responsible members of a global society.  Understanding that every student is unique, we offer diverse opportunities in academics to cultivate students who are inquiring and knowledgeable thinkers.  We demonstrate our passion for education through high expectations for our staff and students.  

Our purpose is to create a safe and caring community where ALL students can grow socially, emotionally and academically.  We work as a village of parents, teachers, students and community members to produce successful citizens.