Pre-Kindergarten Registration

  • The Chelsea Public Schools holds a lottery for pre-kindergarten programs for 3- and 4-year-olds.  Please note that there are limited seats available at the John Silber Early Learning Center every year.  For more information about the registration and lottery process, please click here. 

    There are three program options for Pre-Kindergarten: 

    Half-Day Morning Program

    Days: Monday-Thursday (4 days)
    Times: 8:13am-11:05am
    Eligibility:

    • Child is 4 years old by Aug. 31, 2025
    • Child is a resident of Chelsea
    • Child is/will be toilet trained before school begins in September

    Half-Day Afternoon Program

    Days: Monday-Friday (5 days)
    Times: 11:45am-2:20pm
    Eligibility:

    • Child is 4 years old by Aug. 31, 2025
    • Child is a resident of Chelsea
    • Child is/will be toilet trained before school begins in September

    Extended Full Day Program

    Days: Monday-Friday (5 days)
    Times: 8:13am-5:30pm
    Eligibility:

    • Child is 3 or 4 years old by August 31, 2025
    • Child is a resident of Chelsea
    • Child is/will be toilet trained before school begins in September
    • Parents or guardians must provide proof of employment, or participation in academic or training programs requiring minimum of 30 hours/wk

    A nominal fee is charged for the extended day program.

    Registration Timeline

    *Both the Half Day Program and Extended Day Program require signing up for the Pre-Kindergarten Lottery, as outlined below:

    • Mid-January: Pre-Kindergarten Lottery information becomes available at the Parent Information Center
    • Late January/Early February: Families may sign up for the Pre-Kindergarten Lottery at the Parent Information Center
    • Early to Mid-March: Pre-Kindergarten Lottery takes place and lottery outcomes are mailed to families.
    • March/April: Families who are selected in the Pre-Kindergarten Lottery attend registration appointments at the Parent Information Center