Navigating Lincoln Park Preschool & Kindergarten: A Comprehensive Guide to Tuition and Enrollment

Lincoln Park Preschool and Kindergarten (LPP) offers a nurturing, engaging, and high-quality early childhood education experience for children from fifteen months to six years old. With a commitment to fostering learning and development in a warm atmosphere, LPP has been a cornerstone of the Chicago community since 1994, maintaining NAEYC accreditation since 1999. This guide provides detailed information on tuition, schedules, and enrollment for the 2026-2027 school year, along with insights into the school's philosophy and offerings.

Understanding the LPP Educational Philosophy and Environment

Lincoln Park Preschool and Kindergarten is dedicated to providing a stimulating environment that encourages early learning. The school's philosophy centers on creating a warm, nurturing, and engaging atmosphere conducive to growth. This is reflected in their creative, research-based curriculum, designed to meet the individual needs of each child. Educators at LPP are distinguished by their Bachelor's or Master's degrees in Education, specifically hired for their teaching talents relevant to the age groups served. The school prides itself on being a community where both children and parents can learn and grow together.

The curriculum in the preschool and kindergarten classrooms is structured, incorporating elements such as free play, circle time, story sharing, theme-based activities, snack times, and transitions. LPP offers various programs, including a full-day, full-year school program that extends to an outdoor summer learning program. Enrollment is a continuous process, dependent on availability. The school operates year-round with hours from 7:30 AM to 5:30 PM, offering flexible drop-off and pick-up times.

LPP also provides "Preschool Together" and "Blank Canvases" classes, designed for families to experience the preschool environment collaboratively. These classes, aimed at children aged 15 to 30 months, are taught in 6-week sessions, with a cost of $205 per session. Testimonials from parents highlight the positive impact of LPP on their children's development, emphasizing the dedication of teachers and staff in areas such as potty training, socialization, and fostering confidence and compassion.

Tuition Structure and Payment Information for the 2026-2027 School Year

The tuition rates for the 2026-2027 school year are detailed below, reflecting costs for families participating in the cooperative membership. A crucial aspect of the enrollment process is the requirement of a 20% tuition deposit and a signed contract upon notification of an offer of admission. The remaining tuition balance is divided into two installments, due on July 1st and November 1st. Recognizing that financial constraints can arise, LPP offers flexibility; families facing hardship with the two-installment payment plan are encouraged to arrange monthly payments directly with the Director. Furthermore, need-based financial assistance is available, and LPP strongly encourages all interested families to apply, irrespective of their financial standing.

The 2026-2027 school year is scheduled to commence on September 8th/9th and conclude on May 13th/14th. Specific dates for the academic year can be found in the "Parent Resources" section under "Dates to Remember."

2-Year-Old Preschool Tuition

Children must turn 2 by June 1, 2026, to be eligible for the 2-year-old preschool programs.

Class: 4180K02-01
- Teachers: Mrs. Erickson/Mrs. Lillie
- Days: Monday/Wednesday
- Times: 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM
- Resident Fees: $1,269 (Paid in full)
- Non-Resident Fees: $1,714 (Paid in full)
- Availability: FULL - waitlist available
Class: 4180K02-04
- Teachers: Mrs. Erickson/Mrs. Lillie
- Days: Monday/Wednesday
- Times: 11:15 AM - 1:15 PM
- Resident Fees: $1,269 (Paid in full)
- Non-Resident Fees: $1,714 (Paid in full)
- Availability: Spots available!
Class: 4180K02-02
- Teachers: Mrs. Erickson/Mrs. Lillie
- Days: Tuesday/Thursday
- Times: 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM
- Resident Fees: $1,355 (Paid in full)
- Non-Resident Fees: $1,829 (Paid in full)
- Availability: FULL - waitlist available
Class: 4180K02-03
- Teachers: Mrs. Erickson/Mrs. Lillie
- Days: Tuesday/Thursday
- Times: 11:15 AM - 1:15 PM
- Resident Fees: $1,355 (Paid in full)
- Non-Resident Fees: $1,829 (Paid in full)
- Availability: Spots available!

Note: If your child does not meet the age requirement for 2-year-old preschool, the Discovery Early Childhood series is recommended.

3-Year-Old Preschool Tuition

Children must turn 3 by September 1, 2026, to be eligible for the 3-year-old preschool programs.

Class: 4180K03-01
- Room: 201
- Teachers: Mrs. Shirk/Mrs. Piwowarczyk
- Days: Monday/Wednesday
- Times: 8:45 AM - 11:15 AM
- Resident Fees: $1,560 (Paid in full)
- Non-Resident Fees: $2,106 (Paid in full)
- Availability: FULL - waitlist available
Class: 4180K03-02
- Room: 201 OR 202
- Teachers: Mrs. Sexton/Mrs. Piwowarczyk OR Mrs. Shirk/Mrs. Gaber
- Days: Tuesday/Thursday
- Times: 8:45 AM - 11:15 AM
- Resident Fees: $1,667 (Paid in full)
- Non-Resident Fees: $2,250 (Paid in full)
- Availability: Spots available!
Class: 4180K03-04
- Room: 204
- Teachers: Mrs. Urbanksi/Mrs. Schafbuch
- Days: Tuesday/Wednesday/Thursday
- Times: 8:45 AM - 11:15 AM
- Resident Fees: $2,513 (Paid in full)
- Non-Resident Fees: $3,393 (Paid in full)
- Availability: FULL - waitlist available
Class: 4180K01-01 (Friday Add-On)
- Room: 204
- Teachers: Mrs. Urbanski/Mrs. Sexton
- Days: Friday
- Times: 8:45 AM - 11:15 AM
- Resident Fees: $755 (Paid in full)
- Non-Resident Fees: $1,019 (Paid in full)
- Availability: Spots available!

4/5-Year-Old Preschool Tuition

Children must turn 4 or 5, but not yet 6, by September 1, 2026, to be eligible for these programs.

Class: 4180K05-01 (Monday Add-On)
- Room: G13
- Teachers: Mrs. Justus/Mrs. McGarry
- Days: Monday
- Times: 8:45 AM - 11:15 AM
- Resident Fees: $703 (Paid in full)
- Non-Resident Fees: $949 (Paid in full)
- Availability: Spots available!
Class: 4180K04-01
- Room: 202 OR G11
- Teachers: Mrs. Pedersen/Mrs. Beavers OR Mrs. Marchewka/Mrs. Kelley
- Days: Monday/Wednesday/Friday
- Times: 8:45 AM - 11:15 AM
- Resident Fees: $2,407 (Paid in full)
- Non-Resident Fees: $3,250 (Paid in full)
- Availability: FULL - waitlist available
Class: 4180K04-02
- Room: G11
- Teachers: Mrs. Marchewka/Mrs. Kelley
- Days: Tuesday/Thursday
- Times: 8:45 AM - 11:15 AM
- Resident Fees: $1,667 (Paid in full)
- Non-Resident Fees: $2,250 (Paid in full)
- Availability: FULL - waitlist available
Class: 4180K14-04
- Room: G13
- Teachers: Mrs. McGarry/Mrs. Walrath
- Days: Tuesday/Wednesday/Thursday
- Times: 8:45 AM - 11:15 AM
- Resident Fees: $2,513 (Paid in full)
- Non-Resident Fees: $3,393 (Paid in full)
- Availability: FULL - waitlist available

Extended Care and Other Program Offerings

Beyond the core preschool programs, Lincoln Park Preschool and Kindergarten offers enrichment and extension classes that are available seasonally. Information regarding these classes and other programs can be found in the seasonal Park District program guides.

For younger children, LPP provides programs for Infants (6 weeks - 15 months), Toddlers (15 months - 2.5 years), and Two's (2.6 - 3.5 years). These programs have distinct monthly, weekly, and daily rates, reflecting different enrollment durations.

Infant (6 weeks - 15 months):* Monthly Rates: $2,580.50 (5 Days), $2,064.40 (4 Days), $1,548.30 (3 Days)

Weekly Rates: $595.50 (5 Days), $476.40 (4 Days), $357.30 (3 Days)
Daily Rate: $119.10

Toddlers (15 months - 2.5 years):* Monthly Rates: $2,236.65 (5 Days), $1,789.32 (4 Days), $1,341.99 (3 Days)

Weekly Rates: $516.15 (5 Days), $412.92 (4 Days), $309.69 (3 Days)
Daily Rate: $103.23

Two's (2.6 - 3.5 years):* Monthly Rates: $2,064.61 (5 Days), $1,651.69 (4 Days), $1,238.77 (3 Days)

Weekly Rates: $476.45 (5 Days), $381.16 (4 Days), $285.87 (3 Days)
Daily Rate: $95.29

Preschool (3.6 - 5 years):* Monthly Rates: $2,064.61 (5 Days), $1,651.69 (4 Days), $1,238.77 (3 Days)

Weekly Rates: $476.45 (5 Days), $381.16 (4 Days), $285.87 (3 Days)
Daily Rate: $95.29

It is important to note that the tuition listed for the specific preschool classes (2, 3, and 4/5-year-olds) are for the academic year schedule, not the year-round program rates. The year-round program tuition is based on a 2, 3, or 5-day schedule, with monthly rates provided for Infant, Toddler, Two's, and Preschool age groups.

Read also: Affording LMU: A Guide

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