How To Apply For Preschool In West Orange: 2026 Update For Parents

WEST ORANGE, NJ — The following news release comes courtesy of the West Orange Public School District. Find out how to post announcements or events to your local Patch site.

With the start of the universal preschool application process in West Orange, there is important information that can help families navigate the available options.

The universal preschool program has grown since its inception in 2022.

• In 2022-23, there were 165 students and 4 locations
• In 2023-24, there were 330 students and 10 locations
• In 2024-25, there were 480 students and 12 locations
• In 2025-2026, there were 600 students and 15 locations

These student counts above include both general education and special education inclusion slots.

Children turning the minimum age of 3 prior to Oct. 1, 2026 are eligible to apply for universal preschool in West Orange as of Jan. 9. Applications will be accepted until Feb. 8. Families must follow all outlined steps in the lottery process to be included in the drawing. Families will receive an Application Confirmation email with the assigned lottery number for the drawing, which will be held between Feb. 16 and March 2. Responses are placed into a randomized generator for selection and the drawing is recorded and posted for families to view. Families are then notified if they have been selected and of their site placement.

Additional Information

• The partnering preschool locations include:
• Early Childhood Learning Center (District)
• Betty Maddalena Early Learning Center (District)
• West Orange Community House
• Valley Settlement House
• First Mountain Preschool
• Primrose of West Orange
• Tutor Time of West Orange
• Temple B’nai Abraham
• Little Explorers Early Learning Academy
• JCC Metrowest
• YMCA Peanut Shell
• Kids Palace II
• Roseland Child Development Center

The Betty Maddalena Early Center has both general education and special education classrooms. If families have concerns or need early identification, they can contact the Director of Special Services to begin the referral process. A family can still participate in the lottery process while awaiting a CST evaluation determination. If your child is found eligible for services, please contact the Early Childhood Department to forgo your general education placement.

For students enrolled in the Montclair Child Developmental Center (Head Start), preschool students are placed according to income eligibility guidelines, including SNAP eligibility.

All private provider locations offer before and after care services, which must be paid by families directly to the site. Some locations also offer summer care programs, also to be paid by families directly to the site. Families eligible for child care assistance can contact Program for Parents, Inc. for eligibility information.

Busing is available for most preschool locations for eligible students at community pick up/drop off locations, which include: Edison, Liberty, and Roosevelt Middle Schools.

If a student is currently enrolled in a specific PreK location, and their younger sibling becomes eligible for PreK, preference at that location will be given to the sibling.

Additional information can be found at the links below:

• Preschool Lottery Registration Process FAQ
• Transportation FAQ
• Preschool FAQ

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