Preschool

Universal Preschool Program (UPK)

Next 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, 2024. We will offer the following options for 4-year-olds.  These half-day classes qualify for the 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.

More information on Universal Preschool Colorado (UPK), including frequently asked questions and family login, can be found on the Department of Early Childhood website.

Kinder Readiness Classes

ClassDays & timeLocation
​Birds Kinder Readiness ClassMonday-Friday 8:30-11:30 a.m.Trail Winds Recreation Center
​Sunshine's Kinder Readiness ClassMonday-Friday 12-3 p.m.Trail Winds Recreation Center
​Dinos Kinder Readiness ClassMonday-Friday 11:30 a.m.-3 p.m.Carpenter Recreation Center
Turtles Kinder Readiness ClassMonday-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 do not turn 4 by the October 1, 2024 deadline.  We will offer the following 3-year-old option. Registration for this class will begin in March with request forms (families paying tuition) and in the UPK state system (families with qualifying factors).

UPK will not be accepted for the 2024/2025 school year in the early preschool Rainbows and Monkeys class.  Families are able to register and self-pay for youth who are 3-years-old and do not turn 4 by the October 1, 2024 deadline.  We will offer the following 3-year-old options. Registration for these classes began in March with request forms.

Monkeys Early Preschool Class at CRC and Rainbows Early Preschool class at TCC

ClassDays & timeFees
​5 Day OptionMonday-Friday 8:30-11 a.m.$387R / $464NR
3 Day OptionM/W/F 8:30-11 a.m.​$233R / $280NR
2 Day OptionT/TH 8:30-11 a.m.​$154R / $185NR