Hot Springs announces plan to double size of its free preschool

  • This colorful fence surrounds the playground at the Hot Springs Elementary School. Beginning next year, the district plans to add a second section to its preschool program to double its capacity to more than 30 students aged 3-5. However, to cover the cost of an additional preschool teacher, the district is hoping to fund raise from the community to avoid having to utilize Impact Aid funds. Photo by Brett Nachtigall/Fall River County Herald-Star
    This colorful fence surrounds the playground at the Hot Springs Elementary School. Beginning next year, the district plans to add a second section to its preschool program to double its capacity to more than 30 students aged 3-5. However, to cover the cost of an additional preschool teacher, the district is hoping to fund raise from the community to avoid having to utilize Impact Aid funds. Photo by Brett Nachtigall/Fall River County Herald-Star
  • The reflection of one school bus is visible in a sideview mirror as another bus sits in the background of this photo taken on the grounds of the Hot Springs School District. Starting this week, the district began experimenting with offering bus service to students in the Argyle/Minnekahta area to gauge its effectiveness to continue it for the 2025-26 school year. Photo by Brett Nachtigall/Fall River County Herald-Star
    The reflection of one school bus is visible in a sideview mirror as another bus sits in the background of this photo taken on the grounds of the Hot Springs School District. Starting this week, the district began experimenting with offering bus service to students in the Argyle/Minnekahta area to gauge its effectiveness to continue it for the 2025-26 school year. Photo by Brett Nachtigall/Fall River County Herald-Star

    District to also expand bus route into Argyle/ Minnekahta area

    HOT SPRINGS – Earlier this year, the preschool program in the Hot Springs School District was recognized by the School Administrators of South Dakota (SASD) with its highest award as an “Exemplary” program in the state.

    For this current 2024-25 school year, space allowed for enrollment of 15 four to five year olds where they enjoyed a 16…