Sioux Falls School District - Educate and prepare each student to succeed in a changing world

Students who turn 5 years old on or before September 1, 2025 (birthdate on or before September 1, 2020) are eligible to begin their educational journey!

We know families begin thinking about whether to send their child to kindergarten months in advance of the first day of school. You might be wondering if your son/daughter is ready for the demands of a full day of school. There are two options for age-eligible children in the Sioux Falls School District. Both are free, full-day experiences:

• traditional kindergarten (offered at all elementary schools); OR

• junior kindergarten academy (offered at four elementary schools).

A strong foundation for future academic growth begins early. Parents and guardians who know their child best determine if kindergarten or junior kindergarten is the best option. Whatever you decide, public schools offer a safe, nurturing environment for your child every day.

School Registration

Kindergarten Registration

Open Enrollment

Find My Home School

Early Childhood

Learning Adventures Early Childhood

Specialized Programs

School Supplies

SFSD's Kindergarten curriculum is designed to provide the essential skills and knowledge necessary to engage your child in the learning process, inspire their curiosity, provide them with a sense of accomplishment and help them understand the value of what they are learning.

Students learn all core subject areas and participate in 'specials' - (art, music, physical education). Breakfast and lunch are also available daily, with fees determined by income eligibility.

Online registration for Kindergarten is now open. Be sure to select the 2025-26 school year.

• All Elementary Schools

• Kindergarten Open House is held at each school March 6, 2025 from 4-6pm where parents/guardians and children meet the principals, teachers, and representatives of parent organizations. Families who register online AND those who have not yet completed the online registration should attend.

• Attendance at this event is highly encouraged as it allows the schools to better plan for the number of students in the fall. Families can tour the school, bring address verification documents, birth certificates, and immunization records (if complete).

• In order to successfully complete the kindergarten or junior kindergarten online application, please have the following information available:

  • Household information – address where the family resides

  • Parent information – work and cell phone numbers, email addresses

  • Student information – personal and health/medication information

  • Local Emergency Contact(s) – address and phone numbers

  • Previous school address, phone, and fax numbers

• Once online registration is complete and all required documents are submitted to your child's school, parents/guardians begin receiving information about the child's teacher and open house dates in mid-August.

• The Community Learning Centers (CLC) offers out-of-school time care at (23) elementary locations for the 25-26 school year.