Registration for the 2026-2027 School Year is open! 

2026-2027 Preschool Information Packet

2025-2026 Preschool Information Packet

**Due to construction delays, we are postponing programming at Riverside Elementary School until the 2026-2027 school year.

Registration Step-by-Step Guide

Brainerd Public Schools’ Preschool Programs: 

Preparing Your Child for a Bright Future!

Brainerd Public Schools take pride in investing in our youngest learners and in preparing children and families for success in school. We have a variety of preschool options serving 2 ½- 5 year olds. Our preschool program prepares children to enter school by focusing learning around classroom routines and procedures, social and emotional development and academic development.  

                          A Four Star Parent Aware Rated Program! 

Our preschool programs have earned a four-star rating from Minnesota’s Parent Aware- the highest rating possible! The Parent Aware rating system helps parents find preschools and childcare programs focused on high quality early learning and kindergarten readiness.

Our Staff:

All of our classrooms are staffed by licensed Early Childhood teachers and include a qualified teaching assistant. Many on our classrooms also have a licensed Early Childhood Special Education teacher as part of the teaching team, making our staff to student ratio lower than the state recommended average.

Our Curriculum:

*Frog Street Pre-K is a research-based curriculum organized around 9 thematic units integrating literacy, math, science, social studies, social-emotional connections, STEAM, technology, assessment, and family engagement.

*Pyramid Model innovations focuses on improving the social, emotional and behavioral outcomes of young children birth to 5.

*Second Step helps young learners harness their energy and potential by teaching them self-regulation skills to help them listen, pay attention, manage their behavior and get along with others.

*Handwriting Without Tears uses music, movement and manipulatives to help teach students correct grip, letter formation and placement.

*Gross Motor play is built into our preschool schedule each day whether it be gym time, playground time or even yoga and dancing in the classroom. Students at our WELC location participate in a Motor Lab at least once a week designed by Physical & Occupations Therapists from the Paul Bunyan Co-op.

Please note that the following classes are  CURRENTLY ON A WAITLIST for the 2026-2027 School Year:

-All classes at Nisswa Elementary

-WELC (including VPK): 

  *Mon/Wed Full Day classes

  *Tu/Thu Full Day classes 

  * M-Th Morning classes

-Riverside (including VPK): 

  * M-Th Morning classes

Click here to schedule your child's early childhood screening.