The Madison Metropolitan School District will expand its tuition-free four-year-old kindergarten (4K) programming for the 2026–27 school year, adding new full-day and five-day options at several schools and community-based sites.
New offerings include a full-day (Tuesday through Friday) option at Shorewood Hills Elementary School, expanded full-day, five-day programming at Paul J. Olson Elementary School and a new full-day, five-day option at Ray W. Huegel Elementary School.
“Our ultimate goal is to ensure every family has access to free, full-day 4K, five days a week,” said Culleen Witthuhn, director of early learning. “This expansion is an important step in that direction and part of our Building for the Future work to create a more equitable, consistent early learning experience across the district.”
People are also reading…
Paul J. Olson Elementary School saw a 35% increase in 4K enrollment this school year following the launch of its full-day, five-day pilot, which began with a single classroom. In response to strong interest, the program has grown to four sections. The district will continue to assess opportunities to expand similar programming at additional sites.
At Ray W. Huegel Elementary School, the five-day program will align with the K–5 school schedule, providing consistent start and end times. Eligibility for the five-day pilot programs is limited to families residing within the Olson and Huegel attendance areas who are enrolled in MMSD.
The district is also introducing full-day 4K options at several early care and education partner sites, including MATC Early Learning South Campus, Meeting House, Pequenos Traviesos and YMCA East. Each location provides 874 hours of MMSD 4K instruction annually at no cost. Programs may offer those hours across four or five days, depending on the site. Wraparound child care outside of the instructional day is available for a fee through each provider.
MMSD has continued to invest in expanding its 4K program to better meet the needs of families and increase access to early learning opportunities. The expansion continues efforts to connect students with their neighborhood schools and reduce barriers to participation.
The district’s long-term strategy includes embedding 4K programming in every MMSD elementary school while maintaining strong partnerships with community-based providers, particularly in areas where child care access is limited. Increasing the number of full-day and extended-week options is intended to provide families with more consistent schedules during a critical stage of development.
Families are encouraged to confirm that the program they select is part of MMSD’s 4K network, as not all community-based four-year-old programs are affiliated with the district.
“MMSD’s 4K program has been an invaluable experience for my child,” said Jill Lozano, a current 4K parent. “He had never been in a formal school setting before, and is leaving 4K ready for kindergarten, both academically and socially.”
More information about MMSD’s 4K program and enrollment process is available on the district’s website.
