The Okaloosa County School District’s annual Kindergarten Kickstart program welcomed 326 incoming kindergarten students at 11 Title I schools from July 20-23, giving young learners a chance to build confidence before their first day of school.
- The program is designed to ease the transition into elementary school. It allows students to explore their new classrooms, meet teachers and classmates, establish daily routines and develop confidence in a supportive learning environment before the school year begins.
“Starting kindergarten is one of the most important milestones in a child’s educational journey, and we want every student to walk through our doors feeling confident, excited, and ready to learn,” Superintendent Marcus Chambers said. “Kindergarten Kickstart provides students with a positive first experience at school while helping families feel connected and supported. We are grateful to our Title I team and school staff for investing in the success of our youngest learners.”
Through the Title I District Initiative, each participating student received a School Success Kit filled with learning materials and school supplies. Students also received free meals and transportation throughout the four-day program.
The schools participating in the 2026 program were:
- Walker
- Edwins
- Northwood
- Laurel Hill
- Lewis, Wright
- Bob Sikes
- Elliott Point
- Kenwood
- Shalimar
- Riverside
The district will welcome the students, and all of its learners, for the first day of the 2026-2027 school year on Monday, Aug. 11.
