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Pre-Kindergarten Information

The Douglas PreK program supports students’ academic and social development as they prepare for kindergarten. We're here to support our little ones as they take these important first steps in their education journey!
 
Pre-K Information Logo
Spring 2026: PreKindergarten
 
PreK Waitlist:
  • The district will open a Waitlist Form on March 1 for families to indicate their interest in the Douglas School District PreK program.
  • PreK Programming Information:
    • Full-day program
    • Five days per week
    • No cost to families
    • Busing is available for district routes and Antelope Ridge. It is not currently available for families living on EAFB.
  • The waitlist will remain open through March. 
 
PreK Eligibility Requirements: 
  • Age: 4 years old on or before September 1
  • Residency: Must reside within Douglas School District boundaries (proof of residency required)
  • Complete: Registration Waitlist Form
  • Attend: PreK screening in April 2026 (appointments will be scheduled with families by the district)
  • Toilet Training: Must be fully potty-trained
 
Priority Enrollment:
Priority enrollment will be given to students who meet at least one of the criteria below. If your child does not meet any of these criteria, they may still be enrolled pending space availability.
  • Educationally disadvantaged according to state standards
  • Qualifies for free or reduced-price lunch (application required)
  • Child of an active-duty service member or a parent killed or injured while serving on active duty
  • Qualifies for English Learner services (a language other than English is spoken at home)
  • Currently in foster care or experiencing homelessness
  • From a single-parent household or has a teenage parent
  • Qualifies for special education and/or speech services
 
 
Screening Process:
  • Students selected from the waitlist will be screened in April to help determine eligibility and level of need.
  • Students will participate in screening appointments scheduled by the district. In the screening, students will assess basic social and academic skills and overall readiness.
  • After screenings are complete, staff will review all data and observations to create balanced class lists. Class placements will consider class size, overall classroom composition, and priority enrollment factors.
 
What happens if my student is accepted to the PreK program?
  • Families will receive additional information about next steps in the enrollment process.
  • Douglas School District has three PreK classrooms: 1 at Francis Case and 2 at Badger Clark.
  • When possible, students with a sibling attending Francis Case or Badger Clark will be placed in the same building, depending on space availability.
  • Students without a sibling at either school will be placed by the district to maintain balanced enrollment across the three classrooms.
  • Prekindergarten students will be assigned a classroom teacher, and families will be notified once assignments are finalized.
 
What happens if my student is NOT accepted to the PreK program?
  • If your child is not accepted, their name will remain on the waitlist.
  • If openings become available, families will be contacted in the order of screening results.

What if I missed the initial PreK Registration Waitlist in March?
  • We will add their name to the waitlist.
  • If openings become available, families will be contacted in the order of screening results.
 
Questions? Contact the Douglas School District, Elementary Curriculum office at 605.923.0026.