HANCOCK COUNTY – Families of Hancock County’s littlest learners might consider an early look at local preschools.
As winter’s chill still hunkers down on Hancock County, directors of local preschools are already looking ahead to a summertime start for the 2024-25 school year. Open houses and tours are available for several local public and private schools, with enrollment beginning soon.
And with some slots filling up fast at area preschools, now is the time to begin researching the options.
“It’s an opportunity to invite families in and just start that process of building relationships because we know success relies heavily on our ability to relate to people,” said Dawn Sonsini, director of preschool and early learning for Greenfield-Central Schools.
Cougar Cubs’ two preschools in Greenfield will host open houses Jan. 22 and Jan. 24.
“We open up our classrooms and our teachers are available,” Sonsini said. “Families can see what it looks like and feels like, can meet our teachers, can see the different types of materials and see the classrooms. It’s the first step in the 2024-25 school year in terms of getting to know the school.”
Preschool is not a requirement in Indiana, but it offers social and academic foundations that will help students thrive in kindergarten and beyond, Sonsini said. Parents have many choices in the community, and it’s important to find a good match for their little one.
Cougar Cubs offers play-based learning, as well as a curriculum that aligns with Greenfield-Central schools. Sonsini suggests families find the right personalities to match their preschoolers– teachers that care about children and can relate at their level – as well as a curriculum they can align with.
Here’s an early look at preschool programs and events coming up in Hancock County. Preschools that want to be included in future listings may email [email protected].
Greenfield
Cougar Cubs Preschool
700 N. Broadway St. and 1331 N. Blue Road, Greenfield
317-462-4491, email [email protected]; visit cougarcubs.gcsc.k12.in.us/
Programs offered: Preschool five days a week, extended preschool available. Two and three-day options are available.
How to enroll: Preschool open houses are 5-6 p.m. Jan. 22 at Cougar Cubs East, 1331 N. Blue Road, Greenfield; 5-6 p.m. Jan. 24 at Cougar Cubs West, 700 N. Broadway St., Greenfield.
A preschool enrollment application will be available Feb. 1 at cougarcubs.gcsc.k12.in.us
St. Michael Catholic School
315 Jefferson Blvd., Greenfield
317-462-2380, email [email protected]; visit school-stmichaelsgrfld.org
Programs offered: Multiple programs are offered for ages 3 to 4 and 4 to 5. A five-day full-day program and a five-day half-day program is available for both age groups, as well as full day programs three days a week and two days a week.
How to enroll: Contact the school or visit the website.
Greenfield Parks and Recreation Preschool
280 N. Apple St., Greenfield (Patricia Elmore Center)
317-477-4340, email [email protected]; visit www.greenfieldin.org/parks/preschool
Programs offered: Partial day classes available; 3-4 year old beginners class two days a week, 4-5 year old Pre-K class four days a week. Classes are held in the lower level of the Patricia Elmore Center by Riley Park and Riley Pool.
Cost: $125 to $180 per month for residents of Greenfield; additional cost for non-residents
How to enroll: Visit the website or call. Enrollment begins Feb. 22. A community open house is scheduled for 6-8 p.m. Feb. 21.
Faith Lutheran Preschool
200 W. McKenzie Road, Greenfield
317-468-0610, email [email protected]; visit www.faithgreenfield.org
Programs offered: A 3-year-old preschool program is available for students who will be 3 prior to Aug. 1, meeting 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Thursdays and Fridays. A pre-k class for students ages 4 and 5 on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m (students must be 4 by Aug. 1).
How to enroll: Enrollment for current Faith Lutheran Preschool families and alumni begins Feb. 1; enrollment for other families begins March 1. Cost is $80 to $95 per month based on class chosen. Contact the school for a registration form or download one from the website. An open house is scheduled for 5 to 7 p.m. Feb. 29; call with questions or set up an alternate time to visit if you cannot attend the open house.
Bradley Preschool at Bradley United Methodist Church
210 W. Main St., Greenfield
317-462-2662, email [email protected]; visit bradleyumc.org/preschool
Programs offered: Preschool classes for children ages 3 and 4, and pre-K. Class times and prices to be updated online.
How to enroll: Contact the school for registration. A community open house is scheduled for 6-7 p.m. Feb. 27.
Little Blessings Preschool at Park Chapel Christian Church
1176 E McKenzie Road, Greenfield
317-462-4513, email [email protected]
Programs offered: classes for ages 3-5. Preschool for ages 3-4 runs 9-11:15 a.m. Monday, Tuesday and Thursday; pre-K is 9-11:30 a.m. Monday, Tuesday and Thursday. Pre K Plus offered 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday, Tuesday and Thursday. A Lunch Bunch program runs twice a week.
How to enroll: Registration packets are available in the church office; registration ends when classes are full. Cost is $120-$200 per month, plus $10 for Lunch Bunch. An open house is planned for 6-8 p.m. March 6.
Fortville
Gateway Community Church of Fortville
125 E. Staat St., Fortville
317-485-5418,visit www.gatewayfortville.org
Programs offered: Classes for ages 2 through pre-K. Class is determined by age as of Aug. 1 of that year. Small class sizes offered with rotations of science, art, music and chapel.
How to enroll: Enrollment opens Feb. 5, online or call the school for details.
Mt. Vernon Early Learning Academy Mini-Marauder Preschool
1806 W. State Road 234, Fortville
317-485-3100, email Hunter Eineman, [email protected]; or special education preschool coordinator Ashley Ridenour, [email protected]; visit www.preschool.mvcsc.k12.in.us
Programs offered: Program is an accredited Paths To Quality Level 3 and is designed for children starting at age 3. The program is five days a week and offers both full-time and part-time preschool. Teachers instruct developmentally-appropriate curriculum for students to promote optimal development and learning. Included is learning centers, such as small and large groups, gross motor development, and direct literacy blocks. As a developmental preschool, the school offers special services to students with disabilities. Teachers are trained in Trust-Based Relational Intervention (TBRI) and focus on teaching students self-regulation strategies, as well as social-emotional skills.
How to enroll: Visit www.preschool.mvcsc.k12.in.us for information on the preschool. The 2024-25 enrollment details will be posted in March, along with tuition information. Enrollment is open to currently-enrolled families first, then open to the community March 4 on a first-come, first-served basis. Contact the school for more information.
New Palestine
Little Learners Early Childhood Center, Inc.
7271 W. US 52, New Palestine, IN 46163
317-623-7101, email [email protected]; visit littlelearnersnewpal.com
Programs offered: preschool, pre-K, kindergarten, and first grade
How to enroll: Applications are available and accepted through Aug. 1. An open house is scheduled for 5:30-6:30 p.m. March 7. Three or five-day cost options; tuition information available online. Parents can also take a virtual tour on the website.
Zion Lutheran Preschool
6513 W. 300 S., New Palestine
317-861-4210, email Director Angie Singer [email protected]; visit www.zionnewpal.org
Programs offered: Preschool 3s, half day morning, half day afternoon; and full-day Monday through Wednesday available, must be 3 by Aug. 1. Pre-kindergarten half-day morning, half day afternoon and full-day Monday through Friday available, must be 4 by Aug. 1.
How to enroll: Enrollment opens Feb. 16 and continues through August. Preschool 3s is $170 per month, pre-K is $205 for half day; full-day package options are available as well as aftercare options. Stop by the office for a packet or visit during our parent information meetings Jan. 24 or Jan. 25.
Sonshine Kids Preschool Ministry
3123 S 500 W, New Palestine
317-797-9472, 317-861-5407, preschoolnewpalestinein.com
Programs offered: Morning and afternoon sessions for children ages 3 to 5 at $135 per month. Program includes hands-on STEM learning, kindergarten enhancement classes, daily Bible and worship time, and a lunch option.
How to enroll: Enrollment opens for new families Feb. 19.
Personalized visits and open house nights are available; registration packets available online, call for a visit.
