Welcome to the Brookings School District! We’re excited to help your child begin their learning journey. Below you’ll find everything you need to register for Kindergarten or Junior Kindergarten.

Information for Kindergarten Registration for 2026/2027 is shown below.

Registration for the 2026/2027 school year will open on January 1, 2026.

Children must be 5 years old on or before September 1 to enroll in Kindergarten, Junior Kindergarten, or SDSU Kindergarten.

Families must register online. This is the first step in the registration process.

• If this is your first student in the district, you will submit their registration using the New to the District link HERE.

• If you have other students in the district or your learner attended our Preschool or Early Childhood program, you can log in and complete the annual updates or add the learner as a student in your Parent Portal HERE.

A note on Open Enrollment...

To apply for open enrollment at the Brookings School District, complete the OPEN ENROLLMENT APPLICATION. This needs to be received and approved before your online registration will be approved.

Once you have completed the application, return the form one of three ways:

• Mail or Drop Off:

  Brookings School District, attn. Amanda Kesteloot, 2130 8th St S, Brookings, SD 57006

• Fax: 605-696-4704

• Email: Amanda.Kesteloot@k12.sd.us

Visit our Enrollment & Registration Page for more information.

Placement decisions are made in partnership with families to ensure the best fit for each child.

Kindergarten: A full-day program designed for students ready for a traditional academic and social school experience.

Junior Kindergarten: An additional year of readiness for learners who may benefit from more time developing foundational academic and social skills before entering Kindergarten.

The SDSU Kindergarten Program is an alternative placement option available to families in the Brookings School District. Families who indicate interest are entered into a random selection process and any remaining names are placed on a waiting list. The program operates Monday–Friday from 8:15 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., following a calendar similar to the district but with extended breaks aligned to the SDSU schedule. There is no fee to attend, though families may choose optional before- and after-school care through the SDSU Out-of-School Time Program, which offers supervised activities from 7:30–8:15 a.m. and 2:30–5:15 p.m. at an hourly rate. Students enjoy a playful, inquiry-based learning approach grounded in state standards and supported by collaborations with SDSU departments, including physical education, music, and guidance. Hot lunch is available through the district’s meal program. Families should note that transportation is not provided for this parent-choice option, and arranging drop-off and pick-up is the responsibility of the family.

The following documents are required for enrollment. You can upload these during the online registration process or bring them directly to the school. If uploading online, please make sure the entire document is shown in the upload.

1. Birth Certificate - an original or certified copy of the birth certificate must be presented to the school at the time of enrollment or within 30 days. An affidavit issued by the State Department of Health may be presented in lieu of the birth certificate.

2. Immunizations - a certificate of immunization must be presented prior to admission to school.

3. Verification of Address - The legal residence of a student, for the purpose of public school enrollment, is the legal residence of the student's parents or legal guardian. For Verification of Address, please supply one of the following:

   1. Current lease agreement

   2. Home purchase agreement

   3. Mortgage document

   4. Homeowner's insurance policy

   5. Utility bill

   6. Property tax payment/receipt

We also suggest being prepared with any custody, legal, or additional medical paperwork.

Families can access additional childcare options before and after the school day. These programs offer structured supervision, enrichment activities, and supportive environments for learners outside of school hours.

• Boys & Girls Club

• Great Afterschool Place (G.A.P.)

If you have any questions or need assistance, contact the District Registrar at 605-696-4724 or your Boundary School below.