New Lenox School District 122 Approves Full-Day Kindergarten Beginning 2027–2028

NEW LENOX, IL — The New Lenox School District 122 Board of Education has officially approved the implementation of full-day kindergarten beginning with the 2027–2028 school year, the District announced late Tuesday.

The milestone decision reflects the District’s continued commitment to strengthening early childhood education and supporting student success from the very start of their academic journey, Superintendent Dr. Lori Motsch wrote in a release.

For the 2026–2027 school year, Cherry Hill programs will remain in their current location, and kindergarten will continue to operate as a half-day program at Spencer Trail.

Beginning in the 2027–2028 school year, the District will utilize both Spencer Trail and Cherry Hill facilities to support the transition to full-day kindergarten. All existing special education programs currently housed at Cherry Hill will continue to be offered. While some programs may be relocated to other District buildings as part of the transition, Motsch said District leadership is committed to ensuring that any changes are implemented "thoughtfully and with careful planning." Maintaining high-quality programming and continuity of services for students and families will remain a top priority, Motsch said.

Specific details regarding kindergarten attendance boundaries, daily schedules, transportation, and other logistical considerations will be shared with the community during the next school year (2026-2027) following a comprehensive planning process.

New Lenox School District 122 looks forward to launching full-day kindergarten and is confident that this expansion will provide meaningful academic and developmental benefits for students and families throughout the District.