Due to rising wages and change in birthdate requirements for kindergarteners, preschool in CT has gotten more complex, costly and competitive. Prior to 2024-5 school year, children attaining the age of 5 by January 1st could begin kindergarten in the fall, as a 4 year old.
Now, many children with September-January birthdates attend a "5s" program at a preschool. This change created additional staffing, space and resource needs for preschools, adding to already rising costs.
Demand remains strong as many families require two incomes to afford living in Fairfield County. Most schools surveyed are full for the current year, although we did note openings in the 3s program at Landmark Academy in Westport. Waitlists are the norm.
If you have preschool aged children we recommend to start looking now, even if you are still in the house hunting phase. Many schools are offering tours in September with registration opening in early October. The 2026/2027 Interest Form is already available online for the very popular and flexible Earthplace programs.
KMS provides a list of preschool options by town—click here to view it, and as always, please reach out with any questions.