Skip to main content

Registration Q & A

Common Questions to help you navigate the registration process at Douglas School District:
 
General Registration Questions:
  1. Q: How do I register my student for school?
    A: You can register your student online through the district website. If you need help, visit the Douglas Central Office at 400 Patriot Drive, contact our Central Registrar, Mon-Thurs, 8:00 am to 3:00 pm, at 605-923-0000, or by email at [email protected]
     
  2. Q: When does registration open?
    A: Registration for the upcoming school year opens at the beginning of March. Check the main Douglas Registration page for exact dates each calendar year. 

  3. Q: Do I need to register my student every year?
    A: Yes. You must update your student's registration each school year to ensure information is accurate and to transition to the next grade level. Returning families must complete the Returning Student Application for each student in your Parent Portal.
Proof of Residency:
  1. Q: What documents are required for proof of residency?
    A: You can use a current lease, mortgage statement, or a utility bill from the last 30 days.

  2. Q: What if I live with another family and I am not on their lease or mortgage?
    A: You will need to complete a Notary Verification Form. The homeowner or leaseholder must provide proof of residency. This form is only valid for one school year and must be updated each year if your situation stays the same. Contact the Registrar with questions.

  3. Q: What if my address changes during the school year?
    A: Submit a "Change of Address" request in the Parent Portal (within 30 days of moving) and email your new proof of residency to [email protected], or bring a copy to Douglas Central Office. Your address will not be updated until documents are received.
District Boundaries & Open Enrollment:
  1. Q: How do I know if I live within district boundaries?
    A: Contact Douglas Central Office to confirm if your address is within district boundaries.

  2. Q: What if I live outside the district?
    A: If you live outside district boundaries, you must apply for Open Enrollment by completing the "Open Enrollment Application" for your student to attend the Douglas School District.

  3. Q: When are Open Enrollment applications reviewed?
    A: The School Board usually reviews Open Enrollment applications during the summer months in late June or early July.

  4. Q: What students are considered military-connected?
    A: Military-connected Students have a parent, step-parent, or guardian who:
    • Active duty, living on or off base
    • Living on federal property (e.g., Antelope Ridge)
    • Working in a job conencting to the base, including but not limited to:
      • Contractors
      • Construction Workers
      • Service Providers
      • Other individuals who are paid by the federal government, either directly through a military installation (Ellsworth or SDNG) or through an employer who is contracted to perform work on a military installation. 

Grade Placement & New Students:
  1. Q: What documents are required for new students?
    A: You must provide a birth certificate, immunization records, and proof of residency at the time of registration.

  2. Q: How is grade placement determined?
    A: Grade placement is based on school records, grade completion and district guidelines.
Military & Temporary Housing:
  1. Q: Can military families register before arriving in the area?
    A: Yes, military families can register using a temporary address and update their information once a permanent address is confirmed.

  2. Q: What documents are accepted for families staying in temporary lodging?
    A: A current billing statement from temporary lodging may be used as proof of residency.
Dual Credit / Dual Enrollment:
  1. Q: How can I enroll my Douglas High School Junior or Senior in the Dual Credit/Dual Enrollment program?
    A: Douglas High School juniors and seniors receive a special discount for dual enrollment courses. Dual enrollment allows DHS students to get a head start on college while saving money on tuition. Douglas students can work with their school counselor to get started. Learn more about Dual Credit in South Dakota
Alternative Instruction Questions:
  1. Q: Does Douglas School District offer any online learning options for students?
    A: Yes! Beginning the 2026/27 school year, Douglas is partnering with Edgenuity to offer Online Learning to students in grades 6-12. Placement in the online program is determined in collaboration with counselors, administrators, students, and families.
     
  2. Q: Who Can Enroll in Online Learning?
    A: Students in grades 6-12 who:
    • Need credit recovery to stay on track for graduation
    • Are seeking to get ahead and accelerate coursework
    • Are seeking a virtual learning option
    • Need an alternative learning environment
    • Have special circumstances

  3. Q: If my homeschooled student wants to enroll at Douglas, what is the process? 
    A: Students who have been receiving alternative instruction/homeschooled can be registered online through the district website for the current school year as a New Registration. The parent/guardian should notify the South Dakota Department of Education (DOE) to update their child's status in the Alternative Instruction Notification System within 30 days.

  4. Q: How is grade placement determined in the Douglas School District if a child has been homeschooled/receiving alternative instruction?
    A: The child will be placed at his/her demonstrated level of proficiency as measured by standardized tests. The SD DOE provides more information on how placement is determined. 

  5. Q: Can my homeschooled students join school activities?
    A: Yes. Students living in the Douglas district can participate in sports, fine arts, and all school-sponsored activities including those sanctioned by the South Dakota High School Activities Association if they meet the same requirements as enrolled students pursant to § 13-27-3. All forms must be completed before participation. Activities are a privilege and require students to meet academic and attendance expectations. Learn more on the DOE website.
Support & Contact:
  1. Q: Who should I contact if I have questions or need help with registration?
    A: Contact the Central Registrar at [email protected] or by calling 605-923-0017 for assistance.