Under Iowa Code section 282.3, a child must be age 5 on or before September 15 to enter kindergarten and must be age 6 on or before September 15 to enter first grade. An Attorney General Opinion states this is the law and cannot be waived.

The District's practice of enrolling students who have completed kindergarten in another state or in a state-of-Iowa-accredited program are below.

• If a student has completed kindergarten in a school district in another state or in an accredited private school in Iowa (this currently includes Regina Catholic School, Heritage Christian School, Faith Academy, and Willowwind), they may be enrolled in first grade even if the child is not age 6 by September 15. A review of the student's record by the principal would still be appropriate as well as, if necessary, a conversation with the parent(s) regarding the appropriateness of a kindergarten or first-grade placement.
  
  
• If a student has not completed kindergarten (moved midyear) and was not age 5 by September 15, they cannot enroll in kindergarten in the State of Iowa. This situation occurs when another state or accredited private school has a different age cutoff date for kindergarten enrollment (such as age 5 by November 1.) If a parent wishes to enroll his/her child in first grade in the fall, the current District policy of starting in kindergarten and assessing for acceleration must occur.
  
  
• Children of military families must be enrolled in the grade of the prior school regardless of age. This is part of a special exception for military families as prescribed by the federal government in the Interstate Compact for the Education of Military Children.

All families are required to register their students through the process known as eRegistration.

On-Site Enrollment & Registration

Families needing assistance may attend On-Site Enrollment & Registration at their home school by appointment on March 10, 2021, 7:40 AM - 7:10 PM. 

1. Please sign up for an appointment so we may limit the number of people in the school building at any one time.

2. Bring the following items with you to registration:

   • Verification of your child’s birth date. Examples: a copy of your child’s birth certificate or passport. For additional options, please contact the Educational Services Center at (319) 688-1000.
     
     
   • Child’s immunization records (See Immunization Requirements.)
     
     
   • Proof of residency
     Examples: a lease/rental agreement or utility bill

   If you do not have the needed documentation, please come to registration and we will assist you.
   
   

3. Please follow our Health & Safety Protocols for On-Site Enrollment & Registration.

• Families can find documents and forms here:
  
  Kindergarten Registration Forms
  
  If possible, please print and complete the forms at home and bring them to your child's school. If you are unable to print the forms, they will be available at your child's school during On-Site Enrollment & Registration.
  
   (See Immunization Requirements.)
  
  
• Free and Reduced Meal Application (Online)

The District has various Board of Education approved fees as noted in the table below, for your reference.

School Fees: 2020–2021

The 2021-2022 fees have not yet been established and payment will be processed in July or August after the Board approval of fees.