Nodland & Sunnyside Elementary Schools -

Starting kindergarten is a major milestone for children and their families. Rest assured; the Sioux City Community School District is ready to make the transition a memorable experience for every family.

Step One: Locate Your Child's Boundary School

First, families must determine their child's boundary school by using our boundary map tool. Families who do not live within the district boundary must apply for open enrollment.

Step Two: Choose Between Transitional Kindergarten (TK) & Kindergarten

Deciding when to register a child for kindergarten isn’t always easy. Many families question whether their child is ready for school – academically, emotionally, or socially. Fortunately, transitional kindergarten (TK) offers families another option if they aren’t sure their child isn't ready for the rigors of kindergarten.

What is TK?

TK serves as a bridge between preschool and kindergarten, providing students with seamless schooling as they embark on their academic careers. It gives children another year to develop physically, socially, and academically before entering kindergarten.  In addition, it helps promote self-confidence and independence in children before they enter kindergarten.

The Sioux City Community School District offers TK classrooms at four of the district’s elementary schools including Liberty Elementary, Nodland Elementary, Perry Creek Elementary, and Unity Elementary. To be eligible for TK, children must be five years old by September 15 of that school year. A year of TK is always followed by a year of kindergarten.

Please note, TK locations are available on a first come first serve basis beginning the 1st of each calendar year for the following school year and preference is given to children who have birthdays in late spring, summer, and early fall.

Should I Choose TK or Kindergarten?

Many parents are unsure if they should enroll their child in TK or kindergarten. If you answer yes to any of the following questions, kindergarten may be a good option for your child. If you answer no to any of these questions, TK may be a good program for your child.

• Does my child like to play with other children?

• Does my child initiate conversations with others?

• Is my child willing to share materials?

• Is my child unafraid of new situations and environments?

• Can my child easily accept “no” for an answer?

• Can my child keep his or her hands to himself or herself?

• Does my child show an interest in learning letters and numbers?

• Can my child sit attentively when being read to?

• Does my child show good self-control?

Step Three: Complete Online Pre-Registration

If your student will be 5 years old on or before September 15th and will be attending Transitional Kindergarten (TK) or Kindergarten in the 2025-26 school year, you must complete pre-registration. Following pre-registration, you will receive a registration packet in the mail prior to your child's registration day.

Please note, Sioux City Community Schools preschool families intending to enroll in TK or Kindergarten should complete the pre-registration form if they have not received a packet in the mail prior to in-person registration day at their boundary school.

Step Four: Complete the Registration Packet you Receive in the Mail

Following pre-registration, you will receive a registration packet in the mail prior to your child's registration day.

Please complete the documents in the packet, schedule required screenings and immunizations, and come prepared for in-person registration day.

Step Five: Attend In-Person Registration Day at Your Child's School

Registration day is especially important for families to attend!

Want to learn more about our programs? Visit our Kindergarten Academics Page.

Questions? Contact Central Registration at 712-279-6739