Junior Kindergarten & Kindergarten

Children learn by being actively involved in their world. The NWT Integrated Junior Kindergarten/ Kindergarten Curriculum is child-centred and play-based. This allows children to be actively involved in the learning process, and helps them construct a deeper understanding of the world around them. 

At Yellowknife Education District No. 1 (YK1) we believe play is the essence of the program. Through play, children learn to take appropriate risks and accept challenges, while interacting with their environment and other students in a safe manner. Nestled in neighbourhoods throughout the community, YK1 schools are always close to home.

• YK1 Brochure: Junior Kindergarten
• YK1 Brochure: Kindergarten
• GNWT JK/K Booklet
• GNWT JK/K Orientation Booklet
• GNWT JK/K FAQs

YK1 offers junior kindergarten and kindergarten programs at four schools:

1. N.J. Macpherson School
2. École Įtłʼǫ̀
3. Mildred Hall School
4. Range Lake North School

The community schools of K'àlemi Dene in Ndilo and Kaw Tay Whee in Dettah offer junior kindergarten and kindergarten programming for Yellowknives Dene students in their respective locations. According to the NWT Education Act, to be eligible to register for junior kindergarten, children must be four (4) years of age on or before December 31 of the year in which their classes are to begin. Children must be five (5) years of age on or before December 31 of the year in which their classes are to begin to be eligible for kindergarten. 

Kindergarten registration for all YK1 schools takes place during the month of February at individual schools (information sessions are also held in February). A child's birth certificate and health care card is required at the time of registration. Registrations are also accepted online at any time.

When deciding which school to register with, consider arranging to have a school and classroom visit. School principals would be pleased to set up a time! Each school hosts an information session for parents of new kindergarteners. These are usually held in May and address the specifics of that school's kindergarten program. For more information about YK1 programs, contact our District Office at (867) 766-5050 or any of our above schools!