Early Childhood Programs
Lawrence Public Schools offers a variety of high-quality preschool programs for children who will be 3- and 4-years-olds by August 31st. Our programs are designed to support early learning and kindergarten readiness through play, exploration, and strong relationships.
Apply for preschool today!
Early Enrollment ended on March 22nd. Placement invitations were sent on April 15th.
To be added to our waitlist, APPLY NOW! If a seat opens at one of our locations, we will let you know.
Preschool Locations & Times
Full Day Classrooms, and Peer Model 1/2 day
- Kennedy Early Childhood Center
Full-Day Only
- New York Montessori
- Deerfield Elementary
- Prairie Park Elementary
- Sunflower Elementary
- Woodlawn Elementary
Preschool classes are held: August - May; Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday.
No preschool classes on Wednesday.
Arrival and dismissal times follow the established bell times of each building location listed below. The daily schedules for each location can be found on our School Hours webpage.
First Day of preschool for the 2026-2027 school year is: August 18, 2026
How Placement is Determined
Preschool placement is based on:
- Child eligibility (age and residency)
- Verified at-risk factors
- Program availability
- Family location preferences
Placements are managed centrally to ensure equitable access across sites.
Important Notes for Families
- Families who are tentatively invited based on at-risk status must meet eligibility requirements when preschool begins in August.
- Transportation is provided only for students with IEPs, as determined by the IEP team.
- Sibling preference is not guaranteed.
Have more questions?
For questions about preschool enrollment, eligibility, or placement, families should take a look at our Preschool Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) webpage or contact Lawrence Public Schools Enrollment Services.
Check out the links below for more information about unique program offerings and how placement is determined throughout the district.





