JCPS Kindergarten Students Begin 2026-27 School Year

SMITHFIELD, N.C. -Johnston County Public Schools welcomed its newest students to the classroom this week as kindergarten classes began for the 2026-27 school year.

The school district used a two-day staggered-entry schedule, allowing smaller groups of kindergarten students to attend at a time before full classes came together.

JCPS said the approach gives students more time to become familiar with their classrooms, teachers, daily routines and school surroundings.

School administrators, teachers, staff and district leaders were on hand as students arrived with backpacks, lunchboxes and other first-day supplies.

For many families, the first days of kindergarten marked their child’s first experience attending school on a regular basis.

The staggered schedule is intended to make that transition less overwhelming by giving students an opportunity to adjust in smaller groups before beginning the regular school schedule.

Kindergarten students will now join the rest of the district’s students for the 2026-27 academic year.