Novi launches 'Wildcat Launch,' a two‑year kindergarten option focused on social‑emotional growth

Superintendent Ben Manka announced a new two‑year kindergarten program called Wildcat Launch that the district will offer at all five elementary schools starting next academic year. "The program's called Wildcat Launch, and that is a 2 year kindergarten experience," Manka said, describing smaller class sizes and an emphasis on exploration and social‑emotional development.

Why it matters: the district framed Wildcat Launch as a teacher‑led response to concerns about some children entering kindergarten before they are socially or emotionally ready. Administrators said the program gives students “the gift of time” to grow through play and relationship building while still following kindergarten standards across two years.

How students become eligible: Manka explained that children whose birthdays fall on or before Sept. 1 follow the standard kindergarten path. Children born between Sept. 2 and Dec. 1 may enroll in Wildcat Launch via a state waiver; if additional spots are available, children born before Sept. 1 may enter by lottery. "If there's space available, we will actually have a lottery," Manka said.

Structure and transition plan: Wildcat Launch follows kindergarten standards spread over two years rather than introducing separate curricula. The district will run an "intro week" Aug. 26–28 during which teachers rotate among student groups to assess social, emotional and academic needs and form balanced permanent classrooms; students will begin with their permanent teacher on Sept. 3. Administrators said teachers—not students—will move during intro week to minimize disruption.

Support and placement adjustments: District staff said early assessments and conversations among teacher, parent and principal can prompt a midyear placement change if a child demonstrates readiness for kindergarten. Officials emphasized the program will not be appropriate for every child and that class‑size adjustments (adding sections) are considered if numbers grow.

What comes next: the district said Wildcat Launch will operate in every elementary building and encouraged families with questions to contact central enrollment or their home elementary for details and the waiver process.