About Portland Parks Preschool
Portland Parks Preschool is based on the developmental philosophy that children develop and grow at their own rate. Years of research on children's learning and development documents the many benefits of play and exploration on a child's intellectual, social, emotional, physical, and language development. In order to grow, children must play by exploring and manipulating their environment. They learn using their senses. Play is an important avenue for learning. As children imitate what goes on around them, they begin to understand how things work and how they are used. Initially, this is a process of trial and error. However, with time and repetition, they use new information to increase their understanding of the world around them.
Equity in Service
Portland Parks & Recreation is committed to equity in service. As part of our Parks Levy commitment, we are working to improve access for underserved communities, which include but are not limited to people of color, seniors, teens, households experiencing poverty, immigrants and refugees, and people living with disabilities. If you were referred by a Partner Organization, please make sure to include them during the application process.
How to register for the 2024-2025 school year
- Complete the online APPLICATION
- Or you may call or visit any PP&R Community Center and a team member can assist you with completing an application.
Language interpretation: Portland Parks & Recreation staff will provide free phone or in-person interpretation in more than 240 languages. We'll get an interpreter on the phone in your preferred language when you need one. For questions about Portland Parks & Recreation programs or services, please call 503–823-2525.
Access Discount Program - Reduced Pricing
Thanks to the Parks Local Option Levy, Portland residents can get a discount on program and activity fees. Use the discount for community center and pool admission, preschool and after-school programs, classes, camps, swim lessons, and more.
To get a discount, first register for the Access Discount Program, select a discount amount, and then use it for select activities. No proof of income is required. Discount is valid for 12 months from registration date. Go to any community or arts center for more information about how to register.
Choose a discount: 25, 50, 75, or 90%
Learn more about the Access Discount Program
Details and Pricing
Below is the pricing for City of Portland residents. Families living outside of the City of Portland tax districts are welcome to enroll. There is a 40% increase in monthly fees for non-residents..
East Portland
East Portland Community Center
Preschool | age 3–4, must be 3 years old by September 1, 2024, but not yet 4
- Tuesday, Thursday • 8:00am–11:00am • $207 per month
- Tuesday, Thursday • 12:00pm–3:00pm • $207 per month
Pre-Kindergarten | age 4–5, must be 4 years old by September 1, 2024, but not yet 5
- Monday, Wednesday, Friday • 8:00am–11:00am • $279 per month
- Monday, Wednesday, Friday • 12:00pm–3:00pm • $279 per month
Montavilla Community Center
Preschool | age 3–4, must be 3 years old by September 1, 2024, but not yet 4
- Monday, Wednesday • 9:00am–11:45am • $190 per month
- Tuesday, Thursday • 9:00am–11:45am • $190 per month
Pre-Kindergarten | age 4–5, must be 4 years old by September 1, 2024, but not yet 5
- Monday, Wednesday, Friday • 9:00am–11:45am • $256 per month
- Tuesday, Thursday • 9:00am–11:45am • $190 per month
- Extension Program • 11:45am-12:45pm • $7.25/day
North Portland
Charles Jordan Community Center
Preschool | age 3–4, must be 3 years old by September 1, 2024, but not yet 4
- Tuesday, Thursday • 9:00am–11:45am • $190 per month
Pre-Kindergarten | age 4–5, must be 4 years old by September 1, 2024, but not yet 5
- Monday, Wednesday, Friday • 9:00am–11:45am • $256 per month
- Extension Program • 11:45am-12:45pm • $7.25/day
- Monday, Wednesday, Friday • 12:45pm-3:30pm • $256 per month
Peninsula Park Community Center
Preschool | age 3–4, must be 3 years old by September 1, 2024, but not yet 4
- Tuesday, Thursday • 9:15am–12:00pm • $190 per month
Pre-Kindergarten | age 4–5, must be 4 years old by September 1, 2024, but not yet 5
- Monday, Wednesday, Friday • 9:15am–12:00pm • $256 per month
- Monday, Wednesday, Friday • 12:45pm–3:30pm • $256 per month
St. Johns Community Center
Preschool | age 3–4, must be 3 years old by September 1, 2024, but not yet 4
- Monday, Wednesday, Friday • 8:30am–11:15am • $256 per month
- Tuesday, Thursday • 8:30am–11:15am • $190 per month
Pre-Kindergarten | age 4–5, must be 4 years old by September 1, 2024, but not yet 5
- Monday, Wednesday, Friday • 12:15pm–3:00pm • $256 per month
- Tuesday, Thursday • 12:15pm–3:00pm • $190 per month
Northeast Portland
Matt Dishman Community Center
Blended Age: Preschool and Pre-Kindergarten | age 3–5, must be 3 years old by September 1, 2024, but not yet 5
- Monday through Thursday • 8:30am–12:00pm • $380 per month
Southeast Portland
Laurelhurst Park (located in the former Laurelhurst Dance Studio)
Preschool | age 3–4, must be 3 years old by September 1, 2024, but not yet 4
- Tuesday, Thursday • 8:45am–11:30am • $190 per month
- Tuesday, Thursday • 12:15-3:00pm • $190 per month
Pre-Kindergarten | age 4–5, must be 4 years old by September 1, 2024, but not yet 5
- Monday, Wednesday, Friday • 8:45am–11:30am • $256 per month
- Monday, Wednesday, Friday • 12:15-3:00pm • $256 per month
Woodstock Community Center
Preschool | age 3–4, must be 3 years old by September 1, 2024, but not yet 4
- Tuesday, Thursday • 9:00am–11:45am • $190 per month
Pre-Kindergarten | age 4–5, must be 4 years old by September 1, 2024, but not yet 5
- Monday, Wednesday, Friday • 9:00am–11:45am • $256 per month
Southwest Portland
Southwest Community Center
Preschool | age 3–4, must be 3 years old by September 1, 2024, but not yet 4
- Monday, Wednesday, Friday • 9:15am–12:00pm • $335 per month
- Tuesday, Thursday • 9:15am–12:00pm • $230 per month
Forest Pre-Kindergarten | age 4–5, must be 4 years old by September 1, 2024, but not yet 5
- Monday through Friday • 9:15am–12:00pm • $572 per month
- Monday through Thursday • 12:45pm–3:30pm • $458 per month
COVID-19 related information
Portland Parks & Recreation’s primary goal is to keep our community healthy and protect the public from the spread of COVID-19. We continue to follow guidance from public health authorities and elected officials. PP&R programming has been designed to meet public health guidance and to be flexible as conditions change.
View COVID-19 safety guidelines, closures, and postponements