Looking for preschool? Levy-funded city program has West Seattle space

The Seattle Preschool Program, funded by a levy voters approved two years ago, has room in West Seattle – 50 spots, to be precise. Outreach manager Rachel Schulkin e-mailed WSB to let us know, explaining, “The program is open to 3- and 4-year olds. There is no income limits on 4-year olds, ANYONE can apply for a 4-year old (And we do accept 3 year olds if they are under 300% [of the federal poverty level]. This is different from any other publicly funded preschool program in Seattle.)” Tuition is on a sliding scale – $1,070 a year if the student is from a family of 3 with $70,000 annual income; $3,096 for a student from a family of 5 with $125,000 annual income; no charge for a student from a family of 2 with $45,000 annual income. Citywide, the program will have 600 students this year, more than double what it served last year (though less than a third of its 2018 goal); the area locations with spaces are Arbor Heights, Boren, Concord, and Highland Park Elementary Schools. Apply via seattle.gov/education – ASAP.

33Pete July 29, 2016 (3:24 pm)

I am all for funding preschool, but how about we get kindergarten funded first. As one of the parents who had to pay out of pocket for my child to go to a public kindergarten last year (Schmitz Park) I find this a bit ridiculous.

WSB July 29, 2016 (3:30 pm)

As of this fall, full-day kindergarten is available at all Seattle Public Schools for no extra charge. http://www.seattleschools.org/students/early_learning/kindergarten/kindergarten_overview/

Joe Dirt July 29, 2016 (6:04 pm)

We had to pay for K when our kids went to K at Schmitz. Not a big deal. Are people upset because it should be free on principle or people can’t afford it? I think it used to cost money because kindergarten was not required?