Kindergarten Sign Up 2026-2027

Step 1: Check Eligibility
Your child is eligible for kindergarten if they turn 5 years old on or before September 1, 2026.

Click here to find out what school your student will attend!

Step 2: Complete Kindergarten Sign-Up
Online Kindergarten Sign-Up opens March 1, 2026 at 7:30 a.m.

Complete the online Kindergarten Sign-Up using the link below:

https://tinyurl.com/26-27-KG-SIGNUPS

⚠️ The sign-up link will be available for two weeks only.
If you miss the sign-up window, please contact your school directly to have your child added to the kindergarten list.

Step 3: Watch for Confirmation
After completing the sign-up:

  • You will receive an email that will include next steps to complete the full registration process

Step 4: Request Skyward Account
Complete the New Student Registration Account Request.
If you need help, please refer to the Account Request Guide.

  • Select “I don’t have an email”

  • Login credentials will appear immediately on the screen

  • You may add an email address after logging in

  • Entering an email address during the request may delay receiving your credentials

  • Log in using your credentials

  • Complete the online registration for your student

  • Add an email to your account immediatly after so the school can contact you!


    If you need assistance, refer to the Registration Guide.

Required Documents

To finish registration, the following documents must be provided to the school:

  • Birth Certificate (required by South Dakota law)

  • Immunization Record

  • Social Security Card

  • Proof of Residency

    • Lease or purchase agreement, mortgage statement or tax assessment and a utility bill.

Junior Kindergarten Option Available
Rapid City Area Schools also offers a Junior Kindergarten program for students who meet the state’s age requirements for Kindergarten (must be 5 on or before September 1) but may benefit from additional support in academic and/or social-emotional readiness skills. This structured, nurturing program is designed to strengthen key developmental areas and set students up for long-term success in Kindergarten and beyond.

Available at: Knollwood Elementary, South Park Elementary, Valley View Elementary, Meadowbrook Elementary, and Robbinsdale Elementary.

Kindergarten Screening

Please bring the following items with you to kindergarten screening at your home attendance area school:

  • Your child

  • Certified birth certificate

  • Immunization records

  • Social Security card

  • Proof of residency

    • Lease or purchase agreement, mortgage statement or tax assessment and a utility bill.

All documents will be scanned and returned to you the same day.

Before screening:
Please ensure registration is complete before kindergarten screening.
If you do not have access to a computer, assistance will be available on the day of screening.

⚠️ A parent or guardian must attend the screening with their child.

👉 CLICK HERE to view kindergarten screening dates and times.

Kindergarten Readiness

You are your child’s first and most valuable teacher. The first five years of your child’s life are the most important years in his or her development.  In fact, children learn and retain more information before the age of six than over the rest of their lives.  The more early learning experiences your child is exposed to, the more prepared he or she will be to enter kindergarten.

During children’s early years, families and childcare providers can ensure children are prepared for school by helping children develop an array of skills. Check out the documents below for more information.