School Liaison Officer- Ellsworth AFB

The School Liaison Officer (SLO) is available to help with educational questions regarding your move. You can reach his office at 605-385-5385 or DSN 312-675-5385. You may access the Ellsworth AFB SLO webpage to find information on all the local educational opportunities including public, private, and home school options, or visit the SLO Facebook page for upcoming school-related events or programs. Due to the COVID-19 situation, please check for the most updated information concerning the schools.

Education

Each installation provides information about the types of schools and programs offered on or near your installation for your child. Learn about the types of programs, guidelines, and requirements for each school. Whether you choose to send your child to a Department of Defense School, a private school, or a public school, your installation can help you explore all of your options to make the right decision for you and your child.

Local Schools

Incoming families are encouraged to register their children in school as soon as possible. Children who live on base or in Box Elder, are eligible to enroll in the Douglas Public School District. For those children living in or around Rapid City, they are eligible to register in the Rapid City Area Schools District. The schools are open from mid-August to mid-June. During other times of the year, registration information may be obtained by calling the Douglas Public School District at 605-923-0000 or the Rapid City School District at 605-394-4037 for Elementary Education or 605-394-5147 for Secondary Education. The School Liaison Officer (SLO) is available to help with educational questions regarding your move. You can reach his office at 605-385-5385 or DSN 312-675-5385. You may access the Ellsworth AFB SLO webpage to find information on all the local educational opportunities including public, private, and home school options. NOTE:  Due to the current COVID-19 situation, please contact the appropriate school directly for the most up-to-date information regarding enrollments/attendance.

Public School

Incoming families are encouraged to register their children in school as soon as possible. Children who live on base or in Box Elder, are eligible to enroll in the Douglas Public School District. For those children living in or around Rapid City, they are eligible to register in the Rapid City Area Schools District. Please check with the schools for further details.

The schools are open from mid-August to mid-June. During other times of the year, registration information may be obtained by calling the Douglas Public School District at 605-923-0000 or the Rapid City School District at 605-394-4037 for Elementary Education or 605-394-5147 for Secondary Education.

Registration

When registering children in school, parents need to provide a certified birth certificate, updated shot records, Social Security number, and proof of residency.  South Dakota law requires a TB test prior to enrollment in any school.

Graduation Requirements

Core curriculum requirements for high school: 4 units of English; 3 units of Mathematics; 3 units of Lab Science; 3 units of Social Sciences; 1 unit of (Any Combination) approved CTE, Capstone Experience, or World Language; 1 unit of Fine Arts; ½ unit of Personal Finance or Economics; ½ unit of Physical Education; ½ unit of Health or Health Integration; a minimum of 5.5 units of Electives.

School Calendar

Depending upon which school district you will be attending, the school year begins in late August and ends in late May or early June.

Douglas District Schools

Douglas Schools are located adjacent to Ellsworth AFB and provide public school services for the dependents of Air Force personnel living on or near Ellsworth AFB, as well as the population living in Box Elder and surrounding rural areas (encompassing 156 square miles). The district enrolls approximately 2,600 students, 40% of whom are dependents of Air Force personnel.

The Douglas District has a K-12 curriculum with a full range of academic offerings. The district has a broad, varied, and well-directed activities program. All-day every day kindergarten provides a positive learning experience for students in a safe and caring atmosphere. Douglas has the only AFJROTC program in South Dakota. Students learn the basics of aerospace education and leadership, for more information call 605-923-0030.