Preschool

We offer preschool classes to support children with experiences, skills and knowledge for continual learning. Classrooms offer a supportive environment that include children of all abilities, and are led by a licensed teacher. Teaching teams include both general education and special education staff to meet the unique needs of each child.

Classes are held September to June. Morning and afternoon class times are available. Class length ranges from 2.75 to 3 hours.

New preschool brochure will be online by February 24.
Anoka-Hennepin residents: Registration opens March 13 at 8 a.m.
Out-of-district residents: Registration opens April 16 at 8 a.m.

preschool BrochurE 25-26

Cover or Preschool Registration Brochure

Parents attending Preschool Info Session

2026-27 Preschool Information Sessions

Choosing the right preschool for your child is important. We are excited to partner with you as you explore the options that Anoka-Hennepin Schools has to offer. During this FREE event on Thursday, March 12, you will learn more about Anoka-Hennepin Schools Preschool and the options available for your child. Three information sessions will be offered. Registration is required.

Learn more and register

Preschool program options

Three-year-old preschool

Learn more about Three-year-old preschool

Four-year-old preschool

Learn more about Four-year-old preschool

Scholarship/tuition assistance

Learn more about Scholarship/tuition assistance

Full tuition

Learn more about Full tuition

Why choose Anoka-Hennepin Schools Preschool?

Classes are intentionally designed to be 2.75 to 3 hours in length to maximize developmentally appropriate learning and ensure that each child has the skills they need to be a successful learner.
We offer sliding fee scales and scholarships to make preschool accessible to all children.
Cultural liaisons are a part of our Early Learning teams to enhance cross-cultural interactions.
Special Education staff are a part of our Early Learning teams.
All preschool teachers hold a teaching license from the State of Minnesota.
Our preschool classrooms use the Creative Curriculum and provide students with a wide variety of learning experiences.
Teachers monitor all areas of children’s development and learning.
We provide family engagement opportunities.
We align with A-H Schools kindergarten and collaborate with kindergarten teachers.
Our play-based classrooms help children practice problem-solving skills, develop skills in all areas and build friendships.

Anoka-Hennepin Schools Preschool is AMAZING!

In Anoka-Hennepin Schools Preschool, children have the opportunity to learn through hands-on experiences that build a solid foundation for success in kindergarten and beyond. It is a place where children can become successful learners and play with a purpose! Learning through play allows children to express their feelings, ideas, needs and wants while they work on developing their add: independence, imagination and creativity. Children are given opportunities to make decisions and problem-solve independently and in groups.

They are able to explore and experience activities that encourage the growth of these skill areas:

Social & emotional
Cognitive
Language and literacy
Large and small motor development
Math and science
Art and music

Teaching staff
All Anoka-Hennepin Schools Preschool teachers hold a teaching license from the State of Minnesota. They use best practices to engage children in activities that provide a smooth transition to kindergarten. All staff participate in ongoing professional development and training.

Creative Curriculum
All of our classrooms use the Creative Curriculum for preschool, which is a play-based curriculum that embeds content learning in all routines and activities. Children will participate in large and small group activities daily. Playtime allows children to practice friendship and problem-solving skills while exploring centers and materials that promote skill development in all areas.

Teaching Strategies Gold Assessment
Throughout the school year, teachers will monitor children’s growth and development with an assessment tool called Teaching Strategies Gold. Teachers use this data to plan lessons that promote growth in all areas of development and learning for each child (student). Your child’s individual data will be shared with you during the spring parent/teacher meeting.

Parent Aware rating
Anoka-Hennepin Schools Preschool holds a Four-Star Parent Aware rating. This is the highest rating by Minnesota’s Quality Rating and Improvement System for child care and early education. Parent Aware star ratings help parents find programs that use research-based best practices that prepare children for school and life.

Preschool resources

2025-26 Preschool Program Handbook

Parent visit policy

Is my child well enough to go to school?

Immunization form

How to prepare your child for Preschool

Starting preschool is one of many exciting milestones of childhood. Anoka-Hennepin Schools Preschool teachers and staff are excited to meet your child and eager to help your family make this a successful and smooth transition.

Anoka-Hennepin Schools Preschool teachers share tips on taking some time now to prepare your child and yourself for preschool so the transition can go smoothly for your whole family. Keep your efforts low-key. If you make too big a deal out of this milestone, your child may end up being more worried than excited. Here are some ideas to help your young student prepare for a successful year in preschool:

Start bedtime and morning/afternoon routines a few weeks before school starts to give your child time to adapt to the new routines.
Read stories about going to school to help your child gain conﬁdence and information about the new experience. Talk about the changes that school will bring to your child’s typical daily routines.
Drive by your child’s preschool site so it becomes a familiar place. Talk about the fun experiences your child will have at preschool.
Let your child help get ready for the ﬁrst day of school by choosing which clothes to wear and which backpack to use during the school year.
Approach the year with confidence so your child will, too. Listen if your child has doubts or fears. Talk with the classroom teaching staff if you have concerns.
Always say goodbye when you leave and assure your child that you will be there when school is over. A family photo in your child’s pocket or a small, familiar object from home can help your child feel connected to you and more comfortable with separation.

These tips are also great to keep in mind and practice whether dropping your child off at a daycare or with a family member or friend who is lending a hand. Setting routines and expectations early helps instill school readiness skills in toddlers or even babies well before preschool.

Finally, remember the importance of attending your child’s preschool open house. Going to the open house is an important step in helping preschoolers feel more comfortable in the classroom. When your child sees you talking with the teaching staff and being in their new classroom with them, it helps them feel more comfortable and ready to start their first day on their own.

Preschool toilet learning handout

Preschool Information Night slideshow

What makes preschool at high schools unique?

Peek inside a classroom

Take a tour of a preschool classroom at Sorteberg Early Childhood Center in Coon Rapids. All Anoka-Hennepin Preschool classrooms use a play-based curriculum and have similar activity centers to help children learn and grow.