FAQs

Children who are 3- or 4-years old by August 31 and live within USD 497 boundaries may apply. Children who are kindergarten-eligible are not eligible for preschool.

Lawrence Public Schools offers a mix of tuition-based and no-cost preschool options, depending on location and eligibility. Some sites offer full-day programming, while others offer part-day options.

Yes. Priority is given to students who qualify based on verified at-risk factors, as defined by state guidelines.

• The cost for preschool is $690/month. 
• All district preschool programs are free to eligible families meeting state requirements.
• Kennedy Early Childhood Center’s Peer Model program is $150 per month. Students must meet specific eligibility requirements for the program.

Families apply online at www.usd497.org/preschool. The application includes:

• Preschool eligibility questions
• Program and site preferences (up to three)
• Peer model selection (Kennedy only)

Once accepted, families receive the next steps by email.

February 2 - March 22, 2026. Acceptance notifications will be sent by April 1, 2026.

Placements are based on:

• Student eligibility
• Verified at-risk factors
• Program capacity
• Family preferences

Placements are managed centrally to ensure equity across all preschool sites.

Yes. If a program is full, students may be placed on a centralized waitlist. Waitlist positions are not shared, as openings can change frequently.

No. While sibling enrollment is considered when possible, it does not guarantee placement and does not override eligibility or priority criteria.

No. Toilet independence is not required for preschool enrollment. Staff support children with toileting in respectful, age-appropriate ways and work in partnership with families to support growing independence.

Transportation is provided only for students with IEPs, as determined by the IEP team. General education preschool students do not receive transportation.

If a child requires additional support, school teams work collaboratively with families to determine appropriate next steps and ensure a positive preschool experience.

For questions about preschool enrollment, eligibility, or placement, families should contact Lawrence Public Schools Enrollment Services at (785) 330-1921 or enrollment@usd497.org.