Date
Monday
Apr
21

April 21

National Kindergarten Day

Celebrate National Kindergarten Day with your little ones and make it a day full of learning, fun, and exploration!

Yearly Date
April 21
Type
Day

Introduction

Get ready to celebrate National Kindergarten Day on April 21! This special day honors the start of a child's educational journey, as it marks the beginning of their schooling and learning experience. It also celebrates all those who have invested in the education of children over the years - from parents, teachers, administrators and more. With its roots dating back to 1837 when kindergarten was first introduced in Germany by Friedrich Froebel, today this wonderful celebration recognizes kids around the world who are starting their academic lives.

National Kindergarten Day Timeline

1837
Kindergarten Concept Introduced
Friedrich Froebel, a German educator, introduces the concept of kindergarten, an educational setting for preschool age children, in Germany.
1856
First Kindergarten in US
Margarethe Schurz opens the first kindergarten in the United States in Watertown, Wisconsin.
1870s
Kindergarten Expansion
Throughout the 1870s, kindergartens spread across the US and became recognized as an essential part of the public education system.
1920s
Free Public Kindergartens
By the 1920s, most large city school systems in America provided free kindergarten for all children.
1990s
Full-Day Kindergarten Trend
In the 1990s, full-day kindergarten programs became increasingly prevalent, offering more comprehensive educational exposure for children.
2000s
Emphasis on Early Education
The 2000s saw a dramatic increase in the recognition of the importance of early education, with kindergartens shaping the foundation of a child's lifelong learning.

How to Celebrate National Kindergarten Day

1

Take a field trip

Visit a local museum or park and explore the world together. The kids will love it!

2

Play dress up

Let the kids express themselves by dressing up as their favorite characters or inventing their own. Create a mini fashion show and have fun with it!

3

Make art

Gather some paper, markers, scissors, and tape and let the kids create something unique. Hang their artwork in the classroom for them to be proud of.

4

Host a picnic

Bring all your students outside or to the school's cafeteria and share a meal together. Prepare some snacks and decorations to make it extra special.

5

Organize a parade

Get the entire school involved in this grand event! Invite parents and other teachers, provide instruments, and let the kids march around the playground.

Why National Kindergarten Day is Important

A

Kindergarten helps children develop important skills

Kindergarten is a crucial time in a child's development as they learn how to interact with their peers, express themselves and build the learning skills they will need for success in school and beyond. Kindergarten gives children the tools they need to continue developing these necessary abilities.

B

Kindergarten promotes socialization

Kindergarten provides an early opportunity for children to form relationships and interact with other children their age. It teaches them how to function in a group setting, communicate effectively and be prepared once they reach first grade and further into their academic careers.

C

Kindergarten builds lifelong foundations

Kindergarten marks the beginning of a child’s formal education, so it sets the stage for future learning experiences. Kindergarten prepares learners for more demanding instruction down the road and develops habits that will carry through adolescence and adulthood.

National Kindergarten Day Dates

Year
Date
Day
2023
Apr 20
Thursday
2024
Apr 20
Saturday
2025
Apr 20
Sunday
2026
Apr 20
Monday
2027
Apr 20
Tuesday