Winnipeg School Division to Offer Full-Day Kindergarten in Six Schools

Winnipeg School Division will introduce full-day Kindergarten in six elementary schools beginning in the 2026/27 school year, strengthening early learning opportunities for young students.

The expansion was approved through the division’s 2026/27 budget planning process and will be implemented in schools with the space and capacity to offer the program at no additional cost. Full-day Kindergarten is designed to support children’s social, emotional, cognitive, and physical development while also identifying learning needs early.

“Kindergarten students make up one of our largest learner groups, with nearly 3,000 children joining Winnipeg School Division each year,” said Superintendent Matt Henderson. “We also see some of our highest rates of student absenteeism at this age because families don’t always see the value in half-day programming.”

“Full-day Kindergarten is an investment in making early learning more meaningful, consistent, and engaging for children — especially in our neighbourhoods where it can make the biggest difference,” he says.

Full Day Kindergarten will be offered at:

• Machray School
• Ralph Brown School
• Lord Nelson School
• Rockwood School
• Dufferin School
• Weston School

Winnipeg School Division has also worked with the Province of Manitoba and childcare partners to help ensure families continue to have access to affordable childcare options.

More information will be shared directly with families at each school ahead of the 2026/27 school year.