For thousands of Kirkland youngsters, Tuesday marked the first day of the 2016-17 school year.

For many more — the kindergartners — the first day won’t come until Friday, giving parents a chance to see the school alongside their five- and six-year-old charges.

Lake Washington School District, which includes schools in Kirkland, Redmond and Sammamish, made the switch to allow a gentler transition for students.

District communications director Kathryn Reith said having fewer students, and especially fewer first-time students, made shaking out the first-day-of-school kinks a little easier this fall.

“We usually hold our breath until about 5 p.m., just to be sure every kid got home safely,” she said. “The first day is about making sure students all got on the right bus and were connected with parents. It’s on the first day when potential issues are likely to happen.”

Once the stragglers have finished registration and the kindergarten students have settled, the district will be able to officially count the student body population. The district is among the largest in the state, and has been growing in leaps and bounds over the last several years.