Does Wisconsin offer free preschool?

Yes. Wisconsin funds the Wisconsin 4-Year-Old Kindergarten (4K) for 4 years old by September 1. Wisconsin's Wisconsin 4-Year-Old Kindergarten (4K) is universal — no income test. All eligible 4-year-olds who live in Wisconsin qualify.

What are the income limits for free preschool in Wisconsin?

Wisconsin's Wisconsin 4-Year-Old Kindergarten (4K) is universal — no income test. All eligible 4-year-olds who live in Wisconsin qualify.

✓ Universal Pre-K — No Income Test

Free Preschool in Wisconsin

Q: When do I enroll my child in Wisconsin pre-K?

Wisconsin pre-K enrollment typically runs February through April. Apply through Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction. Most Wisconsin school districts offer 4K free of charge. Nearly all districts participate. Enroll through your local school district. Some districts partner with private childcare centers.

Q: How do I apply for free preschool in Wisconsin?

Apply through Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction. Most Wisconsin school districts offer 4K free of charge. Nearly all districts participate. Enroll through your local school district. Some districts partner with private childcare centers. You can start your application at https://dpi.wi.gov/early-childhood/4k.

2026 eligibility, age requirements, and how to apply

Wisconsin offers free pre-K to all eligible 4-year-olds through Wisconsin 4-Year-Old Kindergarten (4K). No income test.

Age

4 years old by September 1

Income limit

None (universal)

Schedule

Half day or full day depending on district

Apply by

February through April

Wisconsin Free Preschool: Program Details

Program name

Wisconsin 4-Year-Old Kindergarten (4K)

Age requirement

4 years old by September 1

Income limit

Universal in most districts — no income test where available

Schedule

Half day or full day depending on district

Enrollment

February through April

Administered by

Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction

How to Apply for Free Preschool in Wisconsin

Applications are handled by Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction.

Check age and income eligibility

Your child must be 4 years old by September 1. No income verification required.

Apply during enrollment window

Wisconsin pre-K enrollment typically runs February through April. Apply early — many programs fill quickly.

Choose a provider

Programs run through public schools and licensed childcare centers. Most Wisconsin school districts offer 4K free of charge. Nearly all districts participate. Enroll through your local school district. Some districts partner with private childcare centers.

Apply through Wisconsin Department of →

What to know before you apply

• Most Wisconsin school districts offer 4K free of charge. Nearly all districts participate. Enroll through your local school district. Some districts partner with private childcare centers.
• Head Start is a backup option if state seats run out. It serves families below 100% FPL and is federally funded nationwide.