Preschool Enrollment

Last day to register for 2025-26 is March 31, 2026. Please follow the steps below.

Preschool enrollment for the 2026-2027 school year will open on February 9, 2026, at 8:00 a.m.

Five young children wearing pajamas and colorful leis stand in front of a beach-themed backdrop, smiling and giving thumbs up.

Welcome to the Gahanna-Jefferson Preschool program! We look forward to meeting you and your child and assisting you in preparing for a fun, challenging, and educational year.

GJPS offers an outstanding preschool program that serves children with disabilities and also provides an educational opportunity for typically developing children to serve as social and academic peer models. Enrollment is open to children of district residents and staff members of GJPS through an application process.

Peers MUST be 3.5 years old by August 20, 2026. If your child is younger than 3.5 by August 20, 2026- please contact Missy Grimmett at grimmettm@gjps.org to discuss enrollment options further.

Preschool Location:
Preschool classes are located at Clark Hall.
Open availability for morning classes.
Limited availability for afternoon classes

Preschool Hours for 2026-27: (Hours are subject to change)
8:45-11:30 for morning class
12:30-3:15 for afternoon class

Preschool Tuition:
$140/month

Preschool Calendar:
School is five days a week
School year is nine months long

Full-day Head Start Option
Gahanna-Jefferson Public Schools is proud to partner with the Child Development Council of Franklin County, Inc. (CDCFC) to provide a CDC Head Start full-day preschool option to income-eligible families in the GJPS district. Enrollment for CDC Head Start will begin this summer. If you are interested in this preschool option, contact Head Start directly at 614-271-4056.

Preschool Registration

Steps to Enroll a Preschool Student with a Developmental Concern
How to Register a Peer Model (Typically Developing Student)

Steps to Enroll a Preschool Student with a Developmental Concern

Step One:
If you suspect your child has a delay/disability, please contact the Preschool at (614) 269-4780. Do not continue with the following steps until you contact the Preschool.

If your child has been identified as a preschooler with a delay/disability and you are enrolling in Gahanna, please follow step two. Please bring a copy of your child's most recent ETR/IEP when you come for your Welcome Center appointment.

Step Two: Registration Can NOT be Completed on a Cell Phone
Complete the online GJPS Registration

How to Register a Peer Model (Typically Developing Student)

Complete step one below and an email will be sent to you with all enrollment information and Preschool paperwork.

REGISTRATION CAN NOT BE COMPLETED ON A CELL PHONE

Step One: Click to complete required preschool screening form

Please include a valid email address on this form. Communication for enrollment will be conducted primarily through email.

Once Step One is complete, you will receive registration paperwork via email from the Preschool within 24 hours (during regular business hours) and an approval to move on to the next step.

Please note: Medical forms need to be completed by a physician and returned with the peer packet. If your child does not meet all criteria on the screening form, please contact Missy Grimmett at grimmettm@gjps.org.

If your child has an outside evaluation and you suspect your child may have a disability, please contact Mary Ann Stevens at stevensm@gjps.org.

Upon submission of your online registration, you will receive a system-automated confirmation email. A representative from the Welcome Center will review your submitted application within 48 hours and be in contact with you via email to gather any additional enrollment documents needed to complete your student's enrollment. In addition, be sure to complete your Preschool Forms for Peer Models, return the forms to the Preschool directly or email the forms to Mary Ann Stevens stevensm@gjps.org.

Once all paperwork has been received and processed and the deposit has been made you will receive formal notification by email of your student's placement for the 2026-27 school year! If all available spots are full, you will be notified that your child will be placed on the waitlist.

Additional peer model questions? Contact Mary Ann Stevens: stevensm@gjps.org or (614) 269-4780.