Universal Preschool Program

Choose a Five Star Preschool!

The Adams 12 Five Star Schools Early Childhood Education Program will spark a love of learning for your child and help them develop the skills and knowledge they need for a smooth transition to kindergarten. We offer:

• Highly qualified educators: Our preschool employees participate in robust professional development throughout the year. Teachers are trained in helping students develop routines and successfully transition into a new learning environment, effective collaboration, the teaching and the Continuous Learning Cycle, and more.
• Interactive use of technology that supports strong parent engagement.
• Strong partnerships with community organizations, such as Young Athletes and the University of Denver.

Preschool locations

We have preschools at 18 schools located in Thornton, Northglenn, Federal Heights, Westminster and Broomfield. You can click here for a map or see a list of locations below:

Thornton

• Bright Horizons at Horizon High School
• Cherry Drive Elementary School
• Hunters Glen Elementary School
• North Star Elementary School
• Riverdale Elementary School
• Taver Elementary School
• Thornton Elementary School
• Woodglen Elementary School

Northglenn

• Malley Drive Elementary School
• North Mor Elementary School
• STEM Lab K-8
• Westview Elementary School

Broomfield

• Centennial Elementary School
• Mountain View Elementary School
• Thunder Vista P-8

Westminster

• Arapahoe Ridge Elementary

Federal Heights

• Federal Heights Elementary

Adams County

• Coronado Hills

Universal Preschool Begins in the 2023-2024 School Year

We are thrilled that Colorado families will be able to enroll their children in the state’s new universal preschool program starting in the 2023-2024 school year! High-quality early childhood education sets the foundation for a strong start to kindergarten.

Who qualifies for universal preschool?

• ALL 4-year-olds qualify for 15 hours of free preschool a week the year before they start kindergarten. These students must turn 4 by Oct. 1, 2023.

• Some 4-year-olds who meet additional eligibility requirements may be eligible for additional hours of free preschool. This includes:

  • Children who live in low-income households (270% of the 2023 Federal Poverty Guidelines)

  • Children who are dual language learners, and the native language spoken in the child’s home is a language other than English, or children whose native language is not English

  • Children with an Individualized Education Program (IEP)

  • Children who are currently in a foster care home or in non-certified kinship care

  • Children who are identified as homeless

• Some 3-year-olds qualify 10 hours of free preschool if they meet certain eligibility requirements, such as:

  • Children who live in low-income households (270% of the 2023 Federal Poverty Guidelines)

  • Children who are dual language learners, and the native language spoken in the child’s home is a language other than English, or children whose native language is not English

  • Children with an Individualized Education Program (IEP)

  • Children who are currently in a foster care home or in non-certified kinship care

  • Children who are identified as homeless

  • If your child does not meet any of these criteria, but you would like to learn about possible tuition-based spots, please send an email to ad12upk@adams12.org with “3 year old” as your subject line.