We are proud to offer all our students an all-day kindergarten experience - with the option for half-day morning kindergarten, if desired. The all-day kindergarten schedule coincides with our early childhood schools' regular hours from 9:10 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Research has shown that all-day kindergarten improves student achievement, as well as social and emotional skills. At Lakota, it is important that, academically, all of our kindergarteners have access to the same amount of learning time, putting them on more equal ground when they transition to first grade. All-day kindergarten also allows participating students to access daily specials like art, physical education, music, technology, and more.
Lakota has been offering an all-day kindergarten option since the 2014-2015 school year. We began this pilot project with two tuition-based classrooms per school. After the first year, a new state funding model allowed us to expand to four classrooms per school and offer the option tuition-free using a lottery system. Beginning in the 2018-19 school year, all-day kindergarten became an option to all incoming Lakota students. The elimination of the former lottery system was made possible by a reconfiguration of buildings and grade bands. By making two of our elementary schools early childhood schools - and transitioning to a K-2 and 3-6 building model - we are able to accommodate all incoming students in all-day kindergarten.
