Kindergarten admission is one of the most competitive and closely watched entry points in independent schools, particularly in markets like New York City. Recent national and local media coverage has highlighted the complexity, pressure, and emotion surrounding the admission process. The Lower School Admissions team at Riverdale Country School (Bronx, NY) will discuss how their child-centered, holistic approach to admissions helps them gain a well-rounded understanding of each child while also giving families the opportunity to learn more about the school. We will walk through each stage of the process, including inquiry and communication, tours and campus experiences, interviews, admission committee, and the transition from decision to enrollment. We will also explore how the work continues beyond decision notifications, including strategies for engaging admitted families, supporting yield, and designing early community-building experiences that help families feel a sense of belonging from the start. This session is designed for admission professionals seeking to refine their Kindergarten process, strengthen alignment across their teams, and deepen the care and clarity with which they engage prospective and admitted families. *Learning Objectives* Participants will be able to: 1. Identify the key components of a mission-aligned Kindergarten admission process to support engagement, yield, and enrollment 2. Recognize effective strategies for managing high-volume, high-touch communication across the full family journey 3. Illustrate how to design tours and visit experiences that reflect institutional values and engage families meaningfully