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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: Students can be registered online through the district website. If you need assistance, you can stop in at the Douglas Central Office at 400 Patriot Drive, contact our Central Registrar by calling 605-923-0000 or email the registrar at [email protected]

  2. Q: When does registration open?
    A: Registration for the upcoming school year typically opens at the beginning of March each year. Refer to the main Douglas Registration page for exact dates. 

  3. Q: Do I need to register my student every year?
    A: Yes, students must update their registration each school year to ensure information is accurate and to transition to the next grade level. All existing families are required to complete the Returning Student Application for each student. This is located in your Parent Portal.
Proof of Residency:
  1. Q: What documents are required for proof of residency?
    A: Acceptable documents include a current lease agreement, mortgage statement, or utility bill dated within the last 30 days.

  2. Q: What if I live with another family and I am not on their lease or mortgage?
    A: Families who are living at a residency but are not on the lease or mortgage will need to complete a Notary Verification Form. The homeowner/leaseholder will need to show proof of residency. This form is only good for one school year. A new form and new proof of residency will need to be completed each school year if your situation does not change. Contact the Registrar with additional questions.

  3. Q: What if my address changes during the school year?
    A: Please submit a "Change of Address" request through your Parent Portal and email a copy of the new proof of residency to [email protected], or you may drop off your new proof of residency at Douglas Central Office. Your address will not be updated until your new proof of residency is received.
District Boundaries & Open Enrollment:
  1. Q: How do I know if I live within district boundaries?
    A: You may contact the Central Office to confirm whether your address is within district boundaries.

  2. Q: What if I live outside the district?
    A: Families residing outside the district must apply for Open Enrollment by completing the "Open Enrollment Application" for their student to attend the Douglas School District.

  3. Q: When are Open Enrollment applications reviewed?
    A: The School Board typically reviews Open Enrollment applications during the summer months ahead of the coming school year, beginning 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:
    • Is active duty, whether living on or off base
    • Resides on federal property (e.g., Antelope Ridge)
    • Is employed in a base-connected position, 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: New students 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 the completion of the previous grade level, on school records, and district guidelines.
Military & Temporary Housing:
  1. Q: Can military families register before arriving in the area?
    A: Yes, military families may register using a temporary address and update their information once permanent housing is secured.

  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. Some on- campus courses are free to students, and others are as low as $40 a credit. 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: Online learning may be an option for Douglas students in grades 6-12 who:
    • Need credit recovery to stay on track for graduation
    • Are seeking to accelerate coursework
    • Are seeking a virtual learning option
    • Need an alternative learning environment
    • Have unique circumstances that require temporary remote access

  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 established by one or more standardized tests. This document from the SD DOE provides more information on how placement is determined. 

  5. Q: Can my homeschooled middle school or high school-aged child be part of Interscholastic Activities at Douglas?
    A: Yes. Because Douglas is a public-school district, we allow participation in athletics, fine arts, or activities for a child being provided alternative instruction pursuant to § 13-27-3 within the district in which the child resides. This includes school-sponsored activities and those sanctioned by the South Dakota High School Activities Association. Alternative instruction students must meet the same requirements as publicly enrolled students to participate in activities.
    • The documents required by the school district for participation in activities must be completed, signed, and submitted as required before students can participate.
    • Participation in activities, school-sponsored or High School Activities Association-sanctioned, is a privilege, not a right. The eligibility requirements, training rules, and reporting periods for alternative instruction students are the same as those required for students enrolled at Douglas.
    • Training rules include both academic and non-academic components, such as grades and attendance at practices. Learn more on the DOE website.
Support & Contact:
  1. Q: Who should I contact if I have questions or need help with registration?
    A: Reach out to the Central Registrar at Douglas Central Office for assistance with registration questions by email at [email protected] or by calling 605-923-0017.