Q: What is the history of the Park City School District Preschool?
A: The Preschool program began in 2010 with seed funding provided by PCEF. Since its inception, more than 2,000 students have participated. PCEF donors provide over $125,000 in funding each year to ensure the Park City School District is able to provide high-quality preschool for 3- and 4-year-olds. Park City Mountain, supported by Vail Resorts EpicPromise are long-time partners, and have provided funding for the Preschool Program since 2014. We are grateful to the Westgate Foundation for their support as well.
Q: What makes Park City School District Preschool unique?
A: The program’s focus on high-quality early childhood education provides a strong foundation for academic and social-emotional success. With the support of PCEF, the preschool ensures affordability and accessibility for all families, providing children with the tools they need to thrive in their educational journey and beyond.
Q: Why is Early Childhood Education a priority for the district?
A: According to Preschool Director Dan Gallery, “To achieve universal preschool, our goal is to enroll 70-80% of 3-year-olds and 4-year-olds. Currently, our 4-year-old enrollment is 60% of kindergarten enrollment, while our 3-year-old enrollment is 20% of kindergarten enrollment. Expanding our program ensures more children are prepared for kindergarten and beyond, reducing the need for costly interventions in later years and supporting lifelong success.”
Research shows that attending preschool significantly impacts long-term outcomes, including
increased high school graduation rates, higher college attendance, and greater lifetime earnings.
Preschool also fosters early academic and social-emotional skills, including literacy, language,
numeracy, cooperation, and confidence.
Q: When is the registration period for the Park City School District Preschool for the 2025-2026 school year?
A: The registration lottery is open now, from Monday, January 6 through Friday, February 7, 2025. Families in the Park City community are encouraged to apply during this period to secure a spot in one of the district’s early learning programs.
Q: What new changes are coming to the preschool program in 2025-2026?
A: Significant expansions are underway:
- Increased Capacity: Preschool classrooms at Parley’s Park Elementary and Trailside Elementary will double from two to four classrooms each. With the increased capacity that became available this current school year at McPolin and Jeremy Ranch, the total number of students served across the district rises from 164 to over 288.
- Expanded Options for 3-Year-Olds: A full five-day option will be available, and families can now register 3-year-olds for the after-school program.
- New Staff: A licensed early childhood coordinator will join the Preschool team to support expanded programming.
Q: What enrollment options are available for preschoolers in 2025-2026?
A: The program offers both full-day and half-day options:
- Full-Day Program: Monday-Thursday, 8:10am to 3:05pm, and Friday, 8:10am to 12:30pm. Tuition is $810 per month, with a sliding scale option starting at $125.
- Half-Day Morning Program: Monday-Friday. Tuition is $400 per month, with a sliding scale option starting at $100.
- Afterschool Care: Available until 6pm
Q: How does the Preschool application and lottery process work?
A: Priority enrollment categories include:
- Current 3-year-old students transitioning to the 4-year-old program.
- Park City School District employees working 0.75 FTE or greater.
- Economically disadvantaged families qualifying for free or reduced lunch.
- Families who are Multi-Language Learners (students without access to English in the home).
- The lottery system is in place in case there are not enough available spots in one or multiple locations to accommodate all who apply.
Q: What Curriculum does the Preschool follow?
A: The program uses the "We Can" curriculum, which integrates assessment with instruction. It combines teacher-led instruction, guided practice, and purposeful play to develop literacy, language, numeracy, and social-emotional skills. The curriculum is inclusive, supporting general education, special education, English language learners, and high achievers.
Q: How can families apply for the lottery?
A: Families should follow these steps:
- Access the lottery application link through the Eleyo system.
- Select "Preschool 25-26" to enter the correct lottery pool.
- Create an account (if you don’t have one) and add your child’s information.
- Complete the application, including the $50 non-refundable application fee.
Q: Who can families contact for more information or assistance with registration?
A: Families can contact Dena Housel at dhousel@pcschools.us for assistance.
Q: Where can families apply?
A: 2025/26 Preschool application information is on the Park City School District website.
