Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Admissions & Enrollment
Absolutely! We love welcoming prospective families to campus. We host a variety of annual visit events including First Look Fridays and Preview Nights. Families are also welcome and encouraged to schedule campus visits by appointment. Simply contact our admissions team at 605-335-1923, and they will be happy to assist.
No. Lutheran affiliation is not required for admission to SFLS. We joyfully welcome students and families from all faith backgrounds—or no faith background at all—who are supportive of our mission, vision, and values. Our teaching is rooted in the Lutheran tradition, and we are committed to creating a Christ-centered environment where all students are invited to grow academically, socially, emotionally, and spiritually in a community grounded in God’s love.
Our admissions process is designed to help families learn more about Sioux Falls Lutheran School and explore whether SFLS is the right educational environment for their student. The process typically includes:
- Campus Visit
- Records Review
- Admissions Interview
- Complete Application and Enrollment Paperwork
A detailed overview of our admissions process by age/grade is available for review on our admissions page.
Specific dates vary annually based on that year’s calendar, however, below is a general overview of important admissions dates and deadlines to keep in mind.
| Admissions Requirement | Date / Deadline |
| Applications open for new students | October; Due by January for priority enrollment consideration |
| Re-enrollment for current families | January (typically, families receive about 2 weeks to complete the process) |
| SFLS begins admitting new applicants | Late January |
| Variable tuition applications open | February (specific date is determined by calendar and when the South Dakota Partners in Education tax-credit scholarship program applications open) |
| Variable tuition applications due | May 15 |
| Request to review records forms due | May 15 |
| Enrollments must be finalized by this date in order to begin the school year on time | July 31 |
Children entering kindergarten must be five years old on or before September 1 of the school year in which they are enrolling. An official birth certificate and required immunization documentation must be provided as part of the enrollment process.
Yes. We do accept mid-year transfers when space is available. Please contact our admissions team at 605-335-1923 to discuss your specific situation.
Tuition & Financial Aid
Tuition varies by grade level. Please visit our preschool tuition and K-12 tuition pages to learn more and contact our admissions team at 605-335-1923 with any questions.
Yes. At Sioux Falls Lutheran School, we recognize that finances play an important role in your family’s educational decisions. Needs-based variable tuition for K-12 families is an important part of our ministry as we strive to eliminate financial obstacles that stand between qualified children and a quality Christian education. Visit our K-12 tuition page to learn more about needs-based variable tuition, RaiseRight (a participation-based program available to all infant through high school families), and other scholarships that can help cover the cost of tuition at SFLS.
Families seeking needs-based variable tuition must complete an admissions application and campus visit before submitting a tuition assistance application through our third-party system, TADS. Variable tuition applications open in February and are due by May 15. If you have questions while completing the tuition assistance application, or if you would like help checking on an application after it has been submitted, you are welcome to reach out to the TADS Family Support team using the chat system within your account.
No. Admissions applications and needs-based variable tuition applications are reviewed separately. Submitting an application for variable tuition has no bearing on an applicant’s admissibility.
Yes. K-12 families who are active members of our Association, Supporting, or Affiliate Member Congregations may qualify for a discounted tuition rate. Details about corresponding tuition rates for our congregations can be found on our K-12 tuition page. Church membership must be established by August 1 to receive the discount for the upcoming school year.
Enrollment fees and tuition are subject to the withdrawal and refund policies outlined in our family handbook. A $250 withdrawal fee applies to each withdrawal. Qualifying tuition refunds are determined based on the timing and circumstances of the withdrawal. Please contact the SFLS business office for specific questions about your family’s situation.
RaiseRight is a program that allows families to earn money toward tuition by purchasing gift cards from participating retailers. Families purchase gift cards at face value, and a percentage of each purchase can be directed toward their child’s tuition account or another designated SFLS fund.
Early Childhood Programs
Yes. Sioux Falls Lutheran School offers preschool for children from infancy through age 5. Our early childhood programs provide a nurturing, Christ-centered environment where children can learn, grow, build skills, and establish relationships with caring teachers and classmates.
For current program options, schedules, tuition, and enrollment information, please visit our preschool tuition page.
Yes. Our infant through 5-year-old preschool program follows the same school calendar as our K-12 program, typically running from mid-August through mid-May. We also offer summer care for currently enrolled students during the summer months.
Families interested in infant care should complete our preschool admissions application and indicate that they are seeking infant care. Our admissions team will review the application and work with families regarding availability and scheduling options.
SFLS highly encourages children to be daytime potty trained by their third birthday. If a recently turned 3-year-old enters our program and is still working on potty learning, the school and family will work together to develop a plan that supports the child’s progress.
Yes. Full-day preschool students have an afternoon rest or quiet time. The amount of rest time varies based on the child’s age and individual needs.
To assist families with back-to-school preparation, a school supply list is published each summer before school begins.
Academics & Curriculum
SFLS follows South Dakota State Standards for core academic subjects. Our curriculum is designed to provide students with strong academic foundations while also supporting their spiritual growth and development. Students receive daily instruction in God’s Word as part of our Christ-centered educational environment.
SFLS is committed to helping students grow academically while developing their God-given gifts. Teachers work closely with students and families to support academic progress, and our curriculum is designed to provide consistency across grade levels while allowing teachers to respond to individual student needs.
At Sioux Falls Lutheran School, our curriculum is built on a foundation of academic excellence and Christ-centered values. Rather than relying on a single boxed program, we use a standards-based approach that outlines what students should know and be able to do at each grade level. These standards serve as our instructional goals, and our teachers are given the flexibility to determine how best to meet them through engaging, age-appropriate instruction.
We support our curriculum with thoughtfully selected textbooks and resources from various publishers to help guide classroom instruction, but these materials are tools—not the curriculum itself. Our educators also follow curriculum maps that ensure consistency across grade levels and allow for strategic adjustments based on students’ needs and prior learning.
For example, our Bible instruction incorporates the PeaceWise curriculum, which helps students grow spiritually by learning to navigate relationships and conflict through a biblical lens. Across all subjects, our curriculum is designed to challenge students academically while nurturing their God-given gifts and preparing them to be thoughtful, faithful leaders in the world.
Yes. SFLS high school students have the opportunity to participate in a variety of advanced track courses, including AP and dual credit.
In addition to daily devotions, prayer, and Bible instruction, faith is integrated throughout the school day by teachers across all content areas. We also gather for weekly chapel services and participate in service opportunities that reinforce our mission.
Outside of the classroom, extracurriculars are an extension of our mission to develop capable Christian servant-leaders who are World Ready and Faith Secure. Through Christ-centered competition, teamwork, and leadership opportunities, we strive to develop confident individuals who glorify God during every activity. Our carefully selected Christian coaches and directors cultivate discipline, integrity, and joy as students grow in their gifts, represent their school with excellence, and live out their faith in every arena.
Daily Life & Logistics
Before & After School Eagle Care operates from 7:00am to 6:00pm for infant through 8th grade students.
Hours of operation during the school day vary slightly by age/grade:
- Infants and Toddlers: Tuition covers our full hours of operation (7:00am-6:00pm), and families work directly with their teacher to set their daily arrival and departure schedules.
- 3 to 5-year-olds: Half days run from 8:00-11:15am and full days run from 8:00am-3:30pm.
- K-5th Grade: 8:00am-3:15pm (instruction begins at 8:15am).
- 6th-12th Grade: 7:45am-3:20pm (instruction begins at 8:00am).
Eagle Care provides before and after school care for SFLS students who need additional care outside of the regular school day. Morning care is available beginning at 7:00am, and afternoon care is available until 6:00pm.
SFLS has designated arrival and dismissal procedures to help keep students safe and traffic moving efficiently. Procedures vary by grade level, and families receive specific arrival and dismissal information from the school. K–8 families should follow the designated drive-through and pickup procedures provided by the school.
SFLS uses the FACTS Family Portal as an important communication and information resource for families. Parents can access school news, the calendar, lunch information, attendance, grades, Eagle Care information, and financial information through FACTS.
SFLS also communicates with families through a weekly email newsletter and other school communications as needed.
To help protect the health of our students and staff, enrolled families are expected to follow the illness policy outlined in our family handbook, which includes keeping children home when they are ill.
Student safety is a priority at Sioux Falls Lutheran School. Our safety procedures include locked exterior doors, visitor sign-in procedures, visitor identification, emergency response plans, staff emergency training, and regular fire, tornado, and intruder drills. SFLS also maintains designated procedures for emergency evacuation and severe weather.
Students can participate in athletics, fine arts, and a variety of other activities depending on their grade level. Our extracurricular offerings continue to grow each year, providing students with opportunities to discover and develop their God-given gifts.
Students participating in secondary extracurricular activities must meet SFLS academic eligibility requirements as well as applicable South Dakota High School Activities Association requirements. Students are expected to maintain satisfactory academic progress while participating in extracurricular activities.
Tuition helps cover the cost of your child’s education and day-to-day operations at SFLS. Students who participate in private music lessons, extracurricular athletics, and/or other extracurricular activities pay additional fees to help cover the additional expenses associated with those activities (equipment, officials, coaching stipends, transportation, etc.).
No. SFLS does not offer transportation services for students. Families are responsible for arranging their own transportation to and from campus. To help accommodate work schedules, SFLS offers Before & After School Eagle Care from 7:00–8:00am and 3:30–6:00pm.
No. SFLS does not require students to wear uniforms. However, we do maintain a dress code that encourages modesty, cleanliness, and appropriateness for a Christ-centered learning environment. The goal of our dress code is to support a focused academic atmosphere while allowing students to express their individuality in respectful and age-appropriate ways. Families can find the full dress code in the student handbook or by contacting the school office.
To support focused learning, personal mobile devices and smartwatches are restricted during the school day. Elementary and middle school students are expected to leave devices at home or store them in designated locations. High school students have a designated phone-use window and are otherwise expected to keep their devices put away during class and instructional time.
Yes. We partner with Lifescape to provide a hot lunch option, which is ordered one month in advance. Students are also welcome to bring a lunch from home, and microwaves are available for use. High school students with a valid driver’s license and good academic standing may leave campus for lunch.
Family Engagement & Expectations
There are many ways for families to become involved in the SFLS community! Parents and guardians can participate in Parent Teacher Fellowship, Booster Club, school committees, fundraising events, athletic events, classroom activities, and other volunteer opportunities.
SFLS values the partnership between families and the school and encourages parents to contribute their time, talents, and ideas as they are able.
No. SFLS does not require parents to fulfill a set number of volunteer hours. However, we highly value family involvement and offer many opportunities for parents to engage with our school community. From participating in Parent Teacher Fellowship, Booster Club, or one of our planning committees—such as the Golf Tournament or Celebrate His Gifts Gala—to helping at athletic events or in the classroom, there are numerous ways to get involved. We encourage all families to contribute their time and talents as they are able, helping us strengthen the vibrant community that supports our students.
Wait Pool & Availability
If a class is at capacity, your child’s application may be placed in a wait pool. Unlike a traditional waitlist, our wait pool is not first come, first served. Instead, we consider a variety of factors when filling openings, such as academic fit, class dynamics, and sibling enrollment. We encourage families to apply early and stay in communication with our admissions team regarding availability.
A wait pool is a group of highly qualified families seeking admission to SFLS. While wait lists are thought of as a vertical ranking system based on “first come, first served,” our wait pool is a horizontal “pool” in which we determine admission by the following policy:
Wait Pool Policy & Admissions Priority Order
In the case that the classroom that you are applying for is full, you will be placed in our wait pool. Moving out of the wait pool will be determined by an opening becoming available within the classroom AND by the following admissions priority order; preference will be given to full-time applicants and to applicants who intend to graduate from Sioux Falls Lutheran School:
- Children of faculty/staff
- Siblings of current students
- Children of alumni
- Children from our member congregations and their siblings
- Children and their siblings without a church home, as a mission and evangelism opportunity
- Children and siblings from other community churches
- Children who have no student siblings at the school
Please note: SFLS reserves the right to prioritize full-time and long-term applicants across all categories before considering part-time or short-term applicants in any category. For the purpose of admission prioritization, “full-time” is defined as enrollment for five full school days per week, and “long-term” is defined as a student who intends to graduate from Sioux Falls Lutheran School.
Prospective families may join the SFLS wait pool by submitting an online admissions application for the desired school year.
Based on your desired schedule and the age of your child, our admissions office will contact you when a position becomes available. At that time, families will be asked to complete any outstanding steps in our admissions process before admission is granted. At the preschool level, a campus visit is required. Visit our admissions page for a full summary of K-12 admissions requirements.
Yes. Our admissions applications capture important information about your family’s desired schedule and your child’s learning style, and that information can change over time. As a result, we require all non-current SFLS students to complete a new admissions application each year (your date of original inquiry will be taken into consideration when processing applications for subsequent school years).