The Lake Pend Oreille School district is now accepting enrollment applications for the 2021-2022 school year.

The district is planning to offer full school days, five days a week for the upcoming school year, according to a press release, although specifics of school operations will be based on county COVID-19 conditions.

“We are proud of our consistent school schedule for this year allowing students to attend school 5 days a week face-to-face. We are planning on returning to a regular length of school day next year, which is exciting,” wrote Superintendent Tom Albertson. “We are focused on engaging educational opportunities for all students, with targeted priorities on student learning.”

LPOSD will also offer tuition-free all-day kindergarten options for the first time this year at all elementary schools, Albertson said. The district offered tuition kindergarten this year for the first time, he said, but on a shortened day.

“The state of Idaho only funds half-day so next year is really the first year for a lengthened day,” he wrote.

Currently, the district has 3,567 students, compared to 3,800 in the 2019-2020 school year. Enrollment has stayed fairly stable, Albertson said, with a small influx of new students who moved to the area and students who are returning to in-person classes after choosing a different learning model last year.

Applications are being accepted for students inside and outside of the district, according to the release. Kindergarten registration forms and open enrollment applications can be found at lposd.org.

Kindergarten registration forms may also be found at families’ assigned elementary schools. Parents and caregivers are asked to bring birth certificates, immunization records and proof of address.

“I welcome all families who chose a different educational option back to LPOSD for next year,” Albertson wrote. “I am very proud of our hard-working, dedicated staff who provide a safe, positive, and enriching learning environment for students. The highlight of my week is when I can watch students learn in the classroom.”