Kindergarten registration opens Jan. 12, 2026! Register early and learn about Programs of Choice!
Kindergarten registration is five weeks away! Here’s everything you need to know about registering your child for their first day of school!
General Registration
- Kindergarten registration begins Monday, Jan. 12, 2026, for Surrey and White Rock elementary schools.
- Children who turn five by Dec. 31, 2026 are eligible to start school in September 2026. Registration takes place online HERE.
- Check HERE for a list of documents required for registration.
- If you are unsure which school is nearest to you, check HERE.
- More information is available on the district’s School Registration page.
It’s important to register early so you’re connected to your child’s school, whether you’re simply enrolling in your catchment school or interested in a Program of Choice.
If you have further questions, please contact your neighbourhood school.
Programs of Choice
For parents or guardians applying for a lottery spot in one of our specialty programs (Early French Immersion, Montessori, Intensive Fine Arts, Traditional, EKOLogy and Xw’epiteng Elementary), first register at your local catchment school before Friday, Feb. 20, 2026.
Online applications for the kindergarten lottery for select Programs of Choice open Monday, Feb. 2, 2026, at 9 a.m. and close Friday, Feb. 20 at 4 p.m.
If you’re interested in a Program of Choice, we ask you to attend one of our virtual Program Information Meetings being held in January. Links to the meetings are coming soon and will be located on the Programs of Choice website HERE.
- Early French Immersion: Monday, Jan. 12, 2026 at 7 p.m.
- EKOLogy (East Kensington Outdoor Learning): Tuesday, Jan. 13, 2026 at 7 p.m.
- Intensive Fine Arts: Thursday, Jan. 15, 2026 at 7 p.m.
- Montessori: Monday, Jan. 19, 2026 at 7 p.m.
- Traditional: Wednesday, Jan. 21, 2026 at 7 p.m.
- Late French Immersion: Thursday, Jan. 22, 2026 at 7 p.m.
Xw’epiteng Elementary Land-Based Learning is hosting an open house and information night on Wednesday, Jan. 14, 2026 from 5 to 6:30 p.m. at the school (18035 8th Ave.).
Each information session will go over how to register and apply for the lottery. Recordings of each session will be available the week after the event on the Program Information Meetings page. Any questions about the information sessions can be directed to Catherine Kilback at kilback_c@surreyschools.ca.
To apply for the kindergarten lottery between Feb. 2 to 20, 2026, click here.
See also the FAQ and Application Checklist.
Once the online application process has closed, a random, automated draw will be conducted to assign available program spaces. Schools will then notify parents directly if their child has been offered a space. Parents must then confirm whether they accept or decline the offer. If a space is not offered, the student’s name will be placed on a waitlist maintained by the school.
