Portland Parks Preschool

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 2023-2024 school year

Applications for new families to participate in the registration lottery for the 2023-24 school year will be accepted starting January 2023 through Wednesday, February 22, 2023. Participating Families will be notified of their lottery status between February 27 – March 3.  

Options to complete your lottery application:

1. Complete the online lottery APPLICATION.
2. Call or come into any PP&R Community Center and a team member can assist you with completing the application. 
   Language interpretation over the phone: Portland Parks & Recreation staff will provide free phone 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.

Reduced Pricing

Sign up for an Access Pass to receive reduced pricing based on your total income. No income verification is required. If your income falls within the recommended ranges, an Access Pass may be helpful by decreasing your monthly tuition rates. Choose 25, 50, 75, or 90% discount based on your budget. Learn more about PP&R discount options at portland.gov/parks/discount.

Details and Pricing

Below reflects 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, 2023

• Tuesday, Thursday  •  8:45am–11:30am  •  $184 per month
• Tuesday, Thursday •  12:15pm–3:00pm  •  $184 per month

Pre-Kindergarten  |  age 4–5, must be 4 years old by September 1, 2023

• Monday, Wednesday, Friday •  8:45am–11:30am  •  $247 per month
• Monday, Wednesday, Friday •  12:15pm–3:00pm  •  $247 per month

Montavilla Community Center

Preschool  |  age 3–4, must be 3 years old by September 1, 2023

• Monday, Wednesday  •  9:00am–11:45am  •  $184 per month
• Tuesday, Thursday •  9:00am–11:45am  •  $184 per month

Pre-Kindergarten  |  age 4–5, must be 4 years old by September 1, 2023

• Monday, Wednesday, Friday •  9:00am–11:45am  •  $247 per month
• Monday, Wednesday, Friday •  12:30pm–3:15pm  •  $247 per month
• Tuesday, Thursday •  9:00am–11:45am  •  $184 per month

North Portland

Charles Jordan Community Center

Preschool  |  age 3–4, must be 3 years old by September 1, 2023

• Tuesday, Thursday •  9:00am–11:45am  •  $184 per month
• Extension Program •  11:45am-12:45pm  •  $7/day

Pre-Kindergarten  |  age 4–5, must be 4 years old by September 1, 2023

• Monday, Wednesday, Friday •  9:00am–11:45am  •  $247 per month
• Extension Program •  11:45am-12:45pm  •  $7/day
• Monday, Wednesday, Friday •  12:45pm-3:30pm  •  $247 per month

Southeast Portland

Mt. Scott Community Center

Due to building renovations tentatively scheduled for Fall 2023, contact information
is being gathered for an interest list in case a facility can be secured for the Mt. Scott
Community Center neighborhood. Please complete a lottery APPLICATION for the
option to be added to the interest list.

Woodstock Community Center

Southwest Portland

Southwest Community Center — Sprout Academy

Preschool  |  age 3–4, must be 3 years old by September 1, 2023

• Monday, Wednesday, Friday  •  9:15am–12:00pm  •  $335 per month
• Tuesday, Thursday •  9:15am–12:00pm  •  $230 per month
• Extension Program •  12:00pm-1:00pm 

Forest Pre-Kindergarten  |  age 4–5, must be 4 years old by September 1, 2023

• Monday through Friday •  9:15am–12:00pm  •  $560 per month
• Monday through Wednesday •  12:45pm–3:30pm  •  $342 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