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PreK for Fours and Fives
Course Category
About PreK for Fours and Fives


Welcome to PreK for Fours and Fives class registration.

Children must be four years old on or before Sept. 1, 2024, and not yet eligible for kindergarten to register for this class.

Discover the perfect start for your child's educational journey through our affordable and enriching PreK programs. Our highly trained staff are committed to supporting the growth and learning of each child. Our curriculum and activities focus on building confidence, independence, academic and social skills so your child enters kindergarten ready to continue learning.

If you have questions or need assistance, please call us at 763-391-8777 or email ecfe@district279.org.

En Español, Lus Hmoob, Bằng Tiếng Việt: 855-938-0586.


Registration lottery is February 29, 2024. Registrations received by noon on Feb. 28 will be included in the lottery. All required documents must be received to be included in the lottery.


The following documents are required to complete registration.

  • Proof of Birth: A copy of birth certificate, I-94 or passport.
  • Immunization Record: Provide the most up-to-date record. You may file a medical exemption signed by a health care provider or provide a notarized, signed conscientious objection form.
  • Proof of Income: Provide proof of household annual adjusted gross income for 2023. Two current pay stubs, 2023 W-2 form or 2023 Federal Tax form. Scholarship applications may require a different proof of income. Proof of income is not required for Fee Level G.

Documents can be emailed to ecfe@district279.org, faxed to 763-391-8762 or can be dropped off at either Arbor View or Willow Lane Early Childhood Centers. 


Preschool and PreK students are placed through a random lottery giving everyone an equal chance at their first choice.

  • Lottery: The lottery randomly places students in classes. If class choices are full, the parent/guardian will be contacted by phone.
  • Payment: A form of payment is required when registering. No charges are made until the registration is confirmed. The first payment includes a non-refundable $25 registration fee along with first month tuition.
  • Class Confirmation: After the lottery is complete, confirmation and payment receipt are sent by email. Registrations after the initial lottery will be confirmed upon receipt of required documents.


Ongoing Registrations
: After the initial lottery date, registrations continue until all classes are full up to May 2025.

Featured Courses

  • PreK for Fours and Fives

    Building a foundation for lifelong learning A half-day preschool program that meets two to five days a week for children who turn four on or before Sept. 1, 2024, and not yet eligible for kindergarten are able to register for this class. Students are placed through a random lottery giving everyone an equal chance at their first choice. The lottery randomly places students in a class; following the lottery, registration is based on space available. The following documents are required to complete registration. Proof of Birth: A copy of birth certificate, I-94 or passport. Immunization Record: Provide the most up-to-date record. You may file a medical exemption signed by a health care provider or provide a notarized, signed conscientious objection form. Proof of Income: Provide proof of household annual adjusted gross income for 2023. Two current pay stubs, 2023 W-2 form or 2023 Federal Tax form. Scholarship applications may require a different proof of income. Proof of income is not required if full tuition is paid. Documents can be emailed to ecfe@district279.org, faxed to 763-391-8762 or can be dropped off at either Arbor View or Willow Lane Early Childhood Centers. If the required documents are not received within two weeks of registration, enrollment will be canceled. Tuition is based on a sliding fee scale considering household income and family size (see below). If the income guidelines and tuition rate would prevent you from registering your child, call 763-391-8777 to discuss financial assistance. Scholarship opportunities are available to reduce tuition for qualifying income and family size. If you have any questions or if you'd like more information about our preschool program. We're here to assist you. You can reach us at 763-391-8777 or ecfe@district279.org. PreK class locations: Basswood Elementary School Cedar Island Elementary School Elm Creek Elementary School Oak View Elementary School Rice Lake Elementary School Willow Lane Early Childhood Center Woodland Elementary School During class time, you can expect your child to engage in a variety of activities. Their schedule may include: Group Time: Involving songs, stories, games, and movement activities to encourage social interaction and group participation. Gym or Playground Time: Providing physical activities to support gross motor skills development. This could take place in a dedicated gym space or on a playground. Discovery Time: Focused on learning through play, incorporating various activities such as art, literacy, math, dramatic play, science, sensory exploration, and more. Basswood and Woodland Elementary Schools (four-hour classes, 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.): This class will include lunch time during class and is not eligible for Transportation services. Book Time: All children will have dedicated time for engaging with books. Library Time: Children at elementary school locations will have specific time allocated for activities in the school library. This well-rounded approach fosters the development of the whole child, not only their cognitive skills but also social, emotional, and physical aspects. Please note: When registering you will be asked for the name of the adult attending with the child, this is an automatic question related to our ECFE classes. Children attend Preschool and PreK classes without an adult; this question may be skipped. PreK Transportation: Limited Transportation Availability: Transportation may be provided to PreK students based on home address and school attendance area. One-Way Transportation: Provided either to school for morning classes or home from school for afternoon classes. Route Alignment: Routes will correspond with the morning start of the elementary school day or the afternoon end of the elementary school day. No mid-day transportation is available. Learn more about PreK transportation at district279.org/transportation. For additional questions, contact 763-391-7244 or email busquestions@district279.org.