Our School Readiness preschool program prepares children to enter school with the necessary skills, behavior, and stability they need to progress and flourish. We focus our learning around classroom routines and procedures, social and emotional development, and academic development.

Brainerd Public Schools preschool is taught by licensed early childhood teachers offering learning experiences using research-based curricula. In a caring and supportive learning environment, teachers focus on each child's unique skills, needs and learning abilities, and encourage curiosity and exploration. Through hands-on and age-appropriate learning activities, preschool children build confidence and self-direction and learn to follow rules, manage changes and resolve conflicts peacefully. Preschool children build on their interest in books and reading and develop listening, speaking and beginning writing skills. 

SCHOOL READINESS PRESCHOOL is for children ages 3 to 5 (child only program) offered at the Warrior Early Learning Center, Riverside Elementary and Nisswa Elementary.  VOLUNTARY PRE-K (VPK) is a grant for school readiness preschool students who are 4 years old on September 1^st of the participating school year and meet certain eligibility guidelines.  The VPK grant provides free school readiness preschool and bussing within the Brainerd School District boundaries.  VPK spots are limited.

ECFE PLUS PRESCHOOL is a parent and child preschool program for children ages 2.5 - 3 years. This program allows parents and children to attend class together one day each week and then the children attend alone one day. On the parent day each week, parents will have the opportunity to meet and share together in a parents group where a parent educator will focus discussion on the joys and challenges of raising young children. This class is held at the Warrior Early Learning Center.

Brainerd Public Schools proudly offers preschool at three locations:

1. Warrior Early Learning Center

5546 Fairview Rd, Baxter

2. Nisswa Elementary School

5533 Lakers Lane, Nisswa

Riverside Elementary School

220 NW 3^rd St, Brainerd

2026-2027 Preschool Registration begins on Monday, February 16^th at 7:30am!

2026-2027 Brainerd Public Schools Preschool & Childcare Information Packet

2025-2026 Preschool Registration Packet

Learn about all of our class options for the 2025-2026 school year. Spots still available for the 2025-2026 school year!

Preschool Registration Step-by-Step Guide

Need help navigating the registration site?  This guide will walk you through the registration process step by step.
 

Preschool tuition is on a sliding fee scale based on family size and income, making preschool affordable for all. 

2026-2027 Preschool Payment Scale

Additional scholarships are also available for eligible students. 

• Pathway I Scholarship Application is recommended for qualifying students attending both School Readiness Preschool and/or PreK Plus childcare. 
• Pathway II Scholarship Application is recommended for qualifying students only attending School Readiness Preschool with Brainerd Public Schools.