Wait Pool FAQ
At Sioux Falls Lutheran School, we understand that being placed in a wait pool can be challenging for families. We sincerely appreciate your commitment and dedication to attending SFLS and hope to make the wait pool experience as stress-free as possible for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
What exactly is a wait pool? How does it differ from a wait list?
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
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 considerations:
Is either parent of the child currently working at SFLS?
Does the child have any current K-12 or preschool siblings attending SFLS?
Does the child’s family hold membership at a SFLS association church?
Is the family a SFLS alumni family?
Does the child’s family have a church home outside of the SFLS association?
Does the child have any siblings who attend other schools?
Does the child have any previous Lutheran school experience and/or any previous experience with SFLS?
What schedule is the family requesting for their child?
Has the family completed a campus visit?
How long has the family been waiting for admission?
How do I join the SFLS wait pool?
Prospective families may join the SFLS wait pool by submitting an online admissions application.
How will I know my status in the SFLS wait pool?
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. A full summary of K-12 admissions requirements is available here.
If I have a child in the wait pool, do I need to submit a new admissions application when admissions applications open for the following school year?
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).
What families are saying:
“Four of our grandchildren have attended preschool at Sioux Falls Lutheran School, and they have all been well prepared for kindergarten! The staff works hard to meet the educational, spiritual, physical and emotional needs of the children.”
–Ruth, SFLS Grandparent
“There are many reasons why I love going to Sioux Falls Lutheran. I would say the main point would be because we get a Christian education. It's great because it sets a good foundation for your morals and ethics, and when you go out into the world people are going to see that and that's going to define your character… I feel very confident with the teachers I have. They are leading us down a great path, and I can't wait to see where that takes me.”
–Emma, SFLS Class of 2023
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