Early Childhood Education
Learning begins long before a child enters Kindergarten. Healthy children with involved families and supportive communities enter kindergarten ready to succeed!
Pre-Enrollment for Preschool & Kindergarten for the 2023-2024 school year is now open!
Please access the enrollment forms via the links below (or pick-up from your child's attendance center), complete them, and return them to the school building as soon as possible. Enrollment will be finalized and fees collected in July during online enrollment.
New Families to Our Schools:
Our goal is to make your transition into Great Bend Schools a positive experience! We have friendly staff members at each building prepared to help our new students get settled comfortably into our schools. Students new to the district should pre-enroll as soon as possible by completing the information and returning to the school building.
If you have questions about which elementary school your child will attend, please consult the boundary map, or call our District Education Center at 620-793-1500.
Age Requirements:
Preschool: 3 or 4 years old, on or before August 31 (potty trained)
Kdg: 5 years of age on or before August 31
What you will need:
Proof of Address: Acceptable documents include a current utility bill (gas, water or electric) showing the student’s address, or a current rental or purchase agreement. If these documents are not available, an affidavit signed by the parent or the enrolling adult will be accepted.
Proof of Name and Age: Acceptable documents include birth certificate, baptismal certificate, family Bibles that dutifully record births and deaths, or other hospital documents or certificates. An affidavit filled out by the enrolling adult, attesting to the child’s name and age, will also be accepted.
Kansas Certification of Immunization: Kansas requires all children entering school for the first time in Kansas to provide their immunization records prior to admission to and attendance at a public school. A health assessment is now required for school entry for children through 8 years of age who have not previously enrolled in a Kansas school. View immunization requirements here.
Preschool
The mission of all USD 428 Early Childhood Programs is to provide our community with high-quality child development opportunities that establish a foundation for student growth and development, helping students become responsible citizens and lifelong learners.
Students learn best when they feel safe, loved, and secure. A high-quality preschool experience is proven to close achievement gaps and create a strong foundation for academic growth.
Pre-Enrollment for the 22-23 school year is now open. Preschool placement will be confirmed with families by June 1. Online Enrollment will open in July for parent/guardian to complete and the enrollment fee* will be paid at that time.
*Families can complete a free/reduced meal application at the time of online enrollment to qualify for free or reduced fees.

Kindergarten
2023-2024 KINDERGARTEN PRE-ENROLLMENT
Kindergarten Pre-Enrollment is now open.
Do you have a child that will be five years old on or before August 31, 2023? If so, please complete the Pre-Enrollment Packet and return it to your child's future attendance center/school. Your school will also need a copy of your child's immunization record and proof of their birthdate.
Unsure of which school your child will attend this Fall?
The USD 428 Interactive Boundaries Map is a great tool to help determine each student’s assigned attendance center. Click here to see our elementary school boundaries. Each elementary building will also host an Open House as we get closer to the first day of school to help students and families get to know the building, procedures, and staff.
Online Enrollment (Opening in July 2023)
After families have completed the Pre-Enrollment paperwork, student information will be entered into the USD 428 Skyward Student Information System. This allows families to enroll online in July and pay applicable enrollment fees at that time.
2023-2024 School Year Calendar
The 2023-2024 school year calendar is available - Click Here.

