Universal Preschool Program (UPK)
Each school year, all 4-year-olds will qualify for 15 hours of free preschool a week in the year before they start kindergarten. Youth must turn 4 years old by October 1, 2025 for the 2025/26 school year. We will offer the following kinder readiness options for 4-year-olds who qualify for UPK funding. Families must complete the initial registration process through the state portal to match with the City of Thornton Preschool Program. We will work with families to complete our internal registration process once they are matched with our program. Contact the preschool director, Sharon Juel at Sharon.juel@thorntonco.gov for kinder readiness private pay options.
More information on Universal Preschool Colorado (UPK), including frequently asked questions and family login, can be found here.
Kinder Readiness Classes
| Class | Days & time | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Birds Kinder Readiness Class | Monday-Friday 8:30-11:30 a.m. | Trail Winds Recreation Center |
| Sunshine's Kinder Readiness Class | Monday-Friday 12-3 p.m. | Trail Winds Recreation Center |
| Dinos Kinder Readiness Class | Monday-Friday 11:30 a.m.-3 p.m. | Carpenter Recreation Center |
| Turtles Kinder Readiness Class | Monday-Friday 11:30 a.m.-3 p.m. | Thornton Community Center |
Families are able to register and self-pay for youth who are 3-years-old and potty trained before starting school. UPK funding is only available for children who are 4 years old by October 1, 2025. Registration is open throughout the school year for available space in the following classes:
Monkeys Early Preschool Class at CRC and Rainbows Early Preschool class at TCC
| Class | Days & time | Fees |
|---|---|---|
| 5 Day Option | Monday-Friday 8:30-11 a.m. | $396R / $475NR |
| 3 Day Option | M/W/F 8:30-11 a.m. | $245R / $294NR |
| 2 Day Option | T/TH 8:30-11 a.m. | $162R / $194NR |