Following Mattapoisett and Marion’s lead, Rochester School Committee members approved a motion that allows full-day kindergarten students a tuition-free education starting this fall.

The committee unanimously approved the motion at its June 6 meeting after minimal debate.

Mattapoisett and Marion School Committee members recently passed similar motions.

Tuition for full-day kindergarten classes had cost $2,400 per year. Half-day students attended for free.

The change will cost the district an additional $46,592. Old Rochester Regional District Superintendent Doug White said he was confident the district could absorb the cost.

At a kindergarten open house held last month, Rochester Memorial School Principal Dr. Moira Rodgers polled parents to gather thoughts on tuition-free kindergarten classes.

“The response was overwhelmingly, and very definitively, in favor,” she said, adding she supported the move.

Committee member Tina Rood said parents were pleasantly surprised last month, when the possibility of tuition-free kindergarten was raised.

“I don’t think anybody ever thought this would be presented as an option,” Rood said.

Kindergarten curriculum will remain the same. The only other change parents will see is the elimination of midday bus service. Parents who opt for the half-day program will have to pick-up their children in the middle of the day. Students will be bussed to school in the morning, and then home at the end of the school day.

White noted children may start as half-day students, and then transition to the full-day program at any time.

There are 47 children projected to enter kindergarten in the fall.

Committee members backed the motion unanimously.