Morristown Nonprofit Sends Record-Breaking 125 Kids To Preschool

MORRISTOWN, NJ — Preschool Advantage will provide tuition assistance for a record 125 children during the 2026-27 school year, marking the largest enrollment in the nonprofit organization's 31-year history.

The Morristown-based nonprofit, which helps families afford preschool education in Morris and Somerset counties, announced the milestone this week, citing growing community demand and increased donor support.

Preschool Advantage partners with 32 preschool providers throughout the two counties, helping children ages 3 and 4 access early childhood education programs that might otherwise be out of reach for their families. According to the organization, the average cost of preschool in New Jersey now exceeds $20,000 annually, creating significant financial challenges for many households.

"This milestone demonstrates what can be achieved when dedicated volunteers, generous donors, preschool partners and communities come together to invest in the future of our children," said Dr. Bette M. Simmons, president of the Preschool Advantage Board of Trustees.

The organization has steadily expanded enrollment in recent years. After placing more than 100 children in preschool programs in 2024 and 118 children in 2025, Preschool Advantage set a new goal for 2026 based on increasing family demand and growing donor support. A record number of applications led the board to approve funding for 125 children this year.

Simmons credited businesses, foundations, community organizations, preschool partners, volunteers and individual donors for helping the nonprofit reach the new benchmark.

"This accomplishment belongs to our entire community," Simmons said. "Their support is opening the doors of opportunity for children while helping families achieve greater financial stability."

New Jersey has not yet achieved universal preschool access statewide, leaving many families to navigate a patchwork of options while facing rising costs, according to the organization. Preschool Advantage officials say their mission is to help bridge that gap by providing tuition assistance and expanding access to quality early education.

Founded in 1995, Preschool Advantage has provided tuition assistance to local families for three decades and continues to accept applications through the end of the summer. More information is available at preschooladvantage.org.