Universal Pre-K

Skinner West offers a free, universal pre-k program at our Branch building. All applicants MUST APPLY through the Chicago Early Learning web site. Students must be 4 years old on or before September 1 of the current school year.

Our full-day program includes two classrooms with about 20 students each. Each class is staffed by a teacher and teacher assistant. We provide educational and social development activities that promote school readiness in a child-friendly space. Take a look at our Branch Building photo gallery.

Pre-K school hours are from 8:45 a.m. to 3:45 p.m. The STAR after school programis available until 6:00 p.m. for a fee.

 

If you have a child who will be turning 4 years old by September 1, please follow these steps to apply

  • Go to chicagoearlylearning.org

  • Click on Find Locations

  • Enter your address and zip code

  • Enter birth date and click Find Programs

  • Refine Search and select CPS under Program Features to narrow down the choices.

  • Select Mark Skinner Elementary School or other Pre-K sites of your choice.

  • Click More Information and then the Apply Today! button.

  • Complete the application with all of the requested information.

If you need assistance with the application, please call the Chicago Early Learning hotline at (312) 229-1690.

Notification for acceptance will be made in mid or late July by the CPS Office of Early Childhood Education (OECE). Applicants are placed based on risk and age.

After receiving official notification of acceptance from OECE, the school will contact you to begin the verification and registration process.