PRE-KINDERGARTEN

Mission

The mission of BCSC Pre-K is to support families in preparing children who are socially, emotionally, and cognitively ready for Kindergarten. BCSC provides high-quality education in an elementary setting to any four-year-olds in our community.

Applications

Pre-K Enrollment for the 2026-27 school year is now open! BCSC offers Pre-K at multiple school sites. Call 812-376-4569 for more information or assistance in completing Pre-K enrollment forms.

Apply Now

Find Your Home School

BCSC also offers pathway-specific Pre-K options through:

• Columbus Signature Academy pathway at CSA Fodrea Elementary (no Pre-K classroom on-site at CSA Lincoln)
• Legado Spanish Immersion Pathway at Clifty Creek Elementary — offers a one of a kind bi-lingual early learning experience in both Spanish and English

CSA Fodrea Application

Legado Application

On My Way Pre-K Vouchers

Apply Here

Informational Videos

Program Offerings

All BCSC Pre-K classrooms use a Reggio-inspired approach, focusing on learning through play, exploration, conversation, and meaningful real-world experiences. Children receive daily, research-based early literacy instruction using the same high-quality curriculum found in BCSC elementary classrooms.

Specialized Pathway Programs (application required)

CSA Pathway — CSA Fodrea and CSA Lincoln

Columbus Signature Academies focus on Project-Based Learning, where students collaborate, solve real-world problems, and build strong community connections.

LEGADO Spanish Language Immersion — Clifty Creek

Legado supports students in becoming bilingual by the end of 6th-grade. Pre-K instruction is delivered 80% in Spanish and 20% in English, providing an early foundation in language immersion.

Age Requirements

Children must be 4 years old by August 1st of the current school year and not yet 5 years old at the time of enrollment.

Tuition (2026-27 School Year)

• Full Tuition Weekly Option: $175 per week, paid weekly
• Full Tuition Annual Option: $6,125 for the full school year

Tuition may be paid by cash, check, or credit card through MySchool Bucks.

Financial Assistance options may be available. Families interested in learning more are encouraged to contact the Pre-K Enrollment and Tuition Office.

Transportation Options

Families may choose one or a combination of the following transportation options:

• Bus Transportation
  • Provided to students’ districted schools.
  • Buses are equipped with 5-point harnesses and staffed with bus monitors.
  • An adult must be present at both pick-up and drop-off for safety.
• Car Drop-Off & Pick-Up
  • Available at all elementary school sites.
  • Pre-K staff assist students out of their vehicles and escort them into the school building.

Before & After Care

• Available at each BCSC elementary school for an additional cost.
• Spaces are limited; early application is strongly recommended.

Breakfast & Lunch

Pre-K students receive meals designed to meet the nutritional needs of young children.

• Free breakfast and lunch are currently offered at:
  • Clifty Creek (LEGADO)
  • Mt. Healthy
  • Richards
  • Schmitt
  • Smith
  • Taylorsville
• Breakfast and lunch may be purchased at:
  • CSA Fodrea
  • CSA Lincoln
  • Parkside
  • Rockcreek
  • Southside

Families may also choose to send breakfast and/or lunch from home. Breakfast participation is optional.

School Day & Calendar

Pre-K classes are held Monday-Friday from 7:45 a.m. to 2:35 p.m., including drop-off and pick-up.  Start and end times may vary slightly by location.

BCSC Pre-K follows the BCSC school calendar, including observed holidays, school breaks, inclement weather delays, school cancellations, and eLearning days.

Reggio Emilia curriculum is influenced by:

• Reggio Emilia, Italy
• The Project Approach
• National Association for Education of the Young Child (NAEYC).

Degreed teachers will engage children in projects within environments that encourage exploration.

The Reggio Emilia approach is characterized by:

• An emergent curriculm based on the interests and talents of the child
• Integration of the expressive arts including drama, music, construction, print and art
• Emphasis on a collaboartion in a project based learning environment
• Documentation of children's work in progress which enhances children's growth
• A view of the child as unique, capable and naturally curious
• An environment promoting and encouraging the child to interact, explore and do research
• Interactive relationships built on respect

What we believe:

• Children are born learning.
• Children are valued, strong, capable, competent, curious and resourceful.
• Children learn through relationships.
• Children need choices and opportunities to explore.
• Children thrive in a safe, secure, consistent enviornment where they experience trusting, respectful relationships.
• Parents play an integral role in their child's development.
• The community shares the responsibility of supporting children's development.
• The community benefits from a strong educational system.

What is the curriculum for BCSC Pre-K?

Our curriculum is Reggio-Emilia inspired in combination with the Early Learning Standards that have been created by the Indiana Department of Education.

Do I still have to pay tuition if my child is sick or my family goes on vacation?

Yes, tuition is still due when your child is not at school.

How can I check to see what school district my family resides in?

You can use this link to identify your "home" school. Note: if you are located in the CSA Fodrea or CSA Lincoln districts your "home" school is either Clifty Creek (for CSA Fodrea) or Schmitt (for CSA Lincoln).

Does BCSC provide transportation for Pre-K?

BCSC provides transportation for your four-year-old if you live in the district where your child will attend Pre-K. Transportation is also provided for your child if you choose to send your child to CSA Fodrea or Legado. Please contact our office for more information at 812-376-4569.

What locations offer BCSC Pre-K?

Pre-K is offered at all BCSC Elementary Schools with the exception of CSA Lincoln. Enrollment in Legado Pre-K and CSA Fodrea Pre-K is limited and requires the additional approval of the program administrators. 

What do I do after I fill out the application for BCSC Pre-K?

One of our staff members will email you more information about registration. If you have not heard from our office within a week, please contact our administrative assistant at 812-376-4569. Your child is not considered enrolled until all registration paperwork has been completed, the registration fee has been paid (or you have confirmation of your child receiving On My Way Pre-K), and we have copies of your child's birth certificate, proof of residency and immunizations. 

What is the cost of BCSC Pre-K?

Tuition is $175 per week for the 2026-27 school year. The first week of tuition is due at the time of registration.

Are there scholarships for assistance with tuition?

Please contact our Enrollment and Tuition Office for more information at 812-376-4569.

Is it still possible to apply for On My Way Pre-K?

The state of Indiana is not currently accepting applications for On My Way Pre-K for the 2026-27 school year. If your child is currently receiving a CCDF (Child Care Development Fund) voucher, they will continue to receive funds for Pre-K. Please contact our office if this applies to your child at 812-376-4569.

Office Hours & Contact Information

Our office hours are open Monday - Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
We are happy to answer questions and support families throughout the enrollment process.

Enrollment & Tuition Office: (812) 376-4569
Director and Assistant Director’s Office: (812) 376-4217