Story provided by Stillwater Public Schools

Stillwater Public Schools has set a date for enrollment of Pre-K students and kindergarteners who are new to the district. On March 22 at 8am, families can visit http://sps.blue/prek to complete an online form to secure their student’s spot. 

This is the second year for the application process to be handled online; in previous years, parents lined up outside of elementary schools to enroll their children in person. “Last year’s online process worked extremely well,” says Assistant Superintendent of Operations Dana Renner. “The pandemic required a shift online, but we had been planning to make the shift online for everyone’s convenience.” 

“The enrollment form is easy to complete from any computer or smartphone,” says Renner. Before beginning the online registration, the district recommends having an electronic copy of a state certified birth certificate, immunization records, and one proof of residency document, such as a current utility bill, mortgage, or lease agreement. “This can be as easy as taking a picture of the document with your smartphone, and then completing the enrollment on that device,” says Renner. “You can fill out the enrollment form without the documents, but an application is not considered complete until all documents have been received by SPS.” 

Those without access to an internet connected device can call their school of residence for details on alternative enrollment methods. 

“Based on our estimates we should have enough space in the district for our expected pre-K enrollment,” says Renner. “But it is still important to enroll early to reserve your child’s placement at your school of residence for pre-K.” There is no limit on the number of kindergarteners at each site.

Pre-K students will be placed into the program in the order completed applications are received. “If any school’s maximum enrollment is reached, remaining students will be placed at other sites with available space,” said Renner.

In addition to traditional in-person Pre-K, the district will also offer Virtual Pre-K for those who prefer that format for their child. These families will have the opportunity to transition to in-person instruction at the semester change if space permits.

To participate in Pre-K for the 2021-2022 school year, children must be 4 years old on or before September 1, 2021.

Families will be notified of their pre-K enrollment acceptance status by the end of June.