District opens preschool registration; tuition-free slots for 3- and 4-year-olds announced

The Falmouth School Committee heard on Jan. 14 that kindergarten registration for the next school year has opened and that the district will begin registration for an expanded integrated preschool program next week. The district said tuition will be free for 3- and 4-year-olds who enroll in district preschool classrooms.

Key details: District officials said returning preschool students will receive priority for seats, that available slots are limited and that registration will operate on a first-come, first-served basis once the application window opens. The district will time-stamp online applications to generate a waiting list and said it will offer multiple session-length options (including a roughly four-hour part-day option and full-day sessions) so families can select preferred schedules.

Logistics and transportation: Officials reminded parents that the district will not provide transportation for the preschool program; community providers and families will need to arrange transportation. The district said it will post the registration link on the website and social media and that staff will share it with community partners to improve access.

Why it matters: Officials framed the move as a measure to expand early-childhood access without tuition for residents, while noting limited capacity. Committee members asked about waiting-list procedures, the number of returning students and whether outreach will track families needing transportation or alternate session lengths.

Ending: District staff said they will publish the registration link, post translated materials in the district’s primary languages and share more details about session lengths and availability.