Mayor Wilson announces new SPP seats added for SY 2026-27 at ReWA's the Nook. Applications are now open for Seattle 3- and 4-year-olds to enroll!
Currently in its 10th year of implementation, the Seattle Preschool Program (SPP) is proud to announce capacity to serve up to 2,600 children in the 2026-2027 school year. Today, Mayor Katie B. Wilson joined the Department of Education and Early Learning (DEEL), Councilmember Maritza Rivera, and education leaders in Northgate at the Refugee Women’s Alliance SPP program site to celebrate this expansion as part of the Families, Education, Preschool, and Promise (FEPP) Levy. Enrollment for the upcoming school year is now open–save your child’s seat today at www.seattle.gov/applySPP.
The Seattle Preschool Program is an incredible investment in the future of our city, providing foundational educational support to children and families,” said Mayor Katie B. Wilson. “It doesn’t matter what neighborhood you live in, what language you speak at home, or what your family’s income is. The Seattle Preschool Program has a place for every child, so they can learn, grow, and thrive.”
SPP prepares Seattle three- and four-year-olds for kindergarten in partnership with Seattle Public Schools, community-based providers, and Family Child Care (FCC) providers. In the 2026-2027 school year, SPP will have capacity to serve up to 2,600 children citywide. SPP recently earned its fourth consecutive gold medal for high-quality preschool from CityHealth.
New Seattle Preschool Program classrooms for the 2026-2027 school year include:
| Agency/Site Name | Location |
| KinderCare | Wallingford* |
| ReWA – Nook | Northgate/Northaven+ |
| SPS – Genesse Hill Elementary | West Seattle+ |
| SPS – Loyal Heights Elementary | Loyal Heights+ |
| WorldKids School | SODO* |
| Rise and Shine | South Seattle* |
*New SPP Provider; +Existing provider at a new program site
“The Seattle Preschool Program continues to set the standard for high-quality, equitable early learning,” said Dr. Dwane Chappelle, Director of the Department of Education and Early Learning. “This nationally recognized program connects Seattle families with experienced educators, inclusive classrooms, and the strong early foundations children need to thrive in school and start kindergarten strong. With enrollment now open, we encourage families to apply early and take advantage of this opportunity.”
“Studies have shown that kids who attend preschool have long-term academic and social benefits. They are more successful in high school and have higher rates of college enrollment than children who did not attend preschool,” said Councilmember Maritza Rivera, Chair of the Libraries, Education and Neighborhoods Committee. Last November, Seattle residents overwhelmingly voted to fund Child Care and Seattle Preschool programs through the Families, Education, Preschool and Promise Levy. These investments will make it possible for even more families and children to access the high-quality education they need to start Kindergarten confident and ready to learn, such as the expansion announced today.”
Councilmember Maritza Rivera – District 4/ Libraries, Education & Neighborhood Chair
Susan Lee – ReWA Senior Director of Education
Councilmember Debora Juarez – District 5
Cynthia Chirot – ReWA Board Member – Secretary
Dwane Chappelle – Department of Education and Early Learning Director
“We have had a great and positive experience with the Seattle Preschool Program,” said Buted Dashdemberel, parent of current Seattle Preschool Program and Early Childhood Education Assistance Program student. ” When my son first started preschool, we were so nervous and excited because English is not our first language and are immigrants. It was really hard to see my son struggle to express himself to his new classmates, but after starting the Seattle Preschool Program I saw his growth.”
Applications for the 2026-2027 school year are now open at www.seattle.gov/applySPP.
Families are encouraged to apply early to have priority enrollment at their preferred location! Applications submitted after April 14 will be enrolled throughout the summer as seats are available. In-language applications are available. Families who need language assistance to complete the application process can contact DEEL at (206)-386-1050 or email preschool@seattle.gov.
SPP is available to all Seattle families with children ages three and four on or by August 31, the start of the program year.
SPP tuition is free for most Seattle families. Rates for higher-income families are determined based on household income and household size, with tuition rates calculated on a sliding scale. In the 2025-26 school year, 70% of SPP children received free tuition, and 75% of enrolled children were from communities of color.
SPP is funded by the 2025 Every Child Ready—Families, Education, Preschool, and Promise (FEPP) Levy. SPP boasts program locations throughout the City, specialized programs for children with unique needs, and dual-language classrooms. SPP maintains a focus on ensuring children are prepared to start kindergarten ready to learn and grow. Investments in early childhood are designed to establish strong foundations for child and youth success through K-12, college or career, and beyond.
The City of Seattle Department of Education and Early Learning’s mission is to transform the lives of Seattle children, youth, and families through strategic investments in education. www.seattle.gov/education
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