Seattle preschool enrollment for 2024 opens, with 16 new locations available
SEATTLE - Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell announced Monday applications for preschool have officially opened for 2024-25, and this year, officials say they have the capacity to serve close to 2,500 kids.
The Seattle Preschool Program (SPP) is partnering with 27 organizations for the 2024-25 school year to expand preschools around town. This will open classrooms at 97 additional locations, mostly in North Seattle, South Seattle and the Central District, on top of the dozens of preschool sites already available.
There will be 151 SPP locations this year — 89 of those are operated by community providers, 42 by Seattle Public Schools and 20 by Family Child Care providers.
Preschool is optional in the U.S., but data from SPP finds that kids who attend are more likely to continue schooling, attend college, get higher grades and enjoy better mental and physical health.
SPP aims to expand preschool access to all families, and is funded by the Families, Education, Preschool and Promise Levy. Most families qualify for free or subsidized tuition, which is calculated based on household income and family size.
At Causey's Learning Center, one of the schools in the program, Executive Director Ruth Causey-Brown says teachers are ready to help students prepare for their next big steps.
"Teachers spend a lot of time with these children. Not only academic skills but social emotional skills," said Causey-Brown. "Apply as soon as those applications open, so you're guaranteed a seat in the fall."
Keep reading to learn more about SPP, how to apply and important dates to know for the upcoming school year.
What is the Seattle Preschool Program?
According to the city of Seattle website, "SPP is high-quality, evidence-based preschool programming offered by the Seattle Department of Education and Early Learning (DEEL) in partnership with a network of preschool providers throughout the city, including both community-based providers and Seattle Public Schools." SPP prepares children for kindergarten by "developing pre-academic skills and supporting social-emotional growth."
How is the Seattle Preschool Program funded?
SPP is funded by the voter-approved Families, Education, Preschool and Promise (FEPP) Levy.
When is the best time to apply to the Seattle Preschool Program?
Applications to enroll kids officially opened March 15.
What ages does the Seattle Preschool Program support?
SPP supports children who are age 3 or 4 by Aug 31.
Who is the Seattle Preschool Program open to?
SPP is open to all Seattle residents.
What is the Seattle Preschool Program deadline for 2024-25 school year?
The deadline for applying to SPP is April 15.
When will I know my child's placement in the Seattle Preschool Program?
Families will be notified on May 1.
How can I apply to the Seattle Preschool Program?
Applications are available online or in print in 8 different languages. Language assistance is also available to help families fill out forms.
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How do I qualify for the free or reduced Seattle Preschool Program?
An eligibility calculator and residency tools are available online.
Families with siblings participating in the Seattle Preschool Program are eligible for a 10% discount on the second child’s tuition. Email preschool@seattle.gov if you have questions.