For more in depth information about our program please refer to our handbook linked below. An Open House for parents of children who would enroll in our program is held each fall to give an overview of our preschool and explain the lottery process. We also conduct preschool screenings, dates linked below, as part of our Child Find obligation. 

If you are moving to Boxford with a child who has a disability or you suspect your child has a disability and requires services, please contact Carolyn Wilson, Early Childhood Coordinator at cwilson@boxfordschools.org for information on our preschool. 

When do I sign my child up for the 3-Year-Old Classroom (PreK3)?    The fall before your child’s first preschool year is when you would apply to be entered into the lottery for our program. Please refer to the above Enrollment & Lottery Timeline for specific dates. 

Are there openings for the 4-Year-Old Classroom (PreK4)?    No,  the students in our current PreK3 move up to the PreK4 which creates a full class. If you are moving to town and your child has an IEP please contact Carolyn Wilson, Early Childhood Coordinator at cwilson@boxfordschools.org. 

Is there a waitlist?    Yes. If you missed the lottery, did not get your first choice, or moved into the district after our lottery, you can fill out an application and request to be placed on our waitlist. The waitlist will carry over for the following school year when children are of age for the 4-Year-Old Class. If space becomes available the Preschool Coordinator will reach out to the first person on the waitlist until the space is filled.

When is the lottery?    There is a 2 week window each fall when applications are accepted along with a $50 registration fee, child's birth certificate, and proof of residence. Immediately after the application window is closed a lottery is held to fairly assign applicants a lottery number. For a more in depth description please refer to our handbook.

Does my child need to be toilet trained?    No child will be turned away from our program if they are not toilet trained. We highly encourage parents to work on toilet training with their child the summer before they enter preschool if they are not yet independently using the bathroom. Most of the children in our program are toilet trained. Students in pull-ups or diapers must be sent to school with ones that have sticky tabs on the side for easy changes. Pull-ups that need to be slid up and down will not be used. 

Do you have a full time program?   Incoming 3 year olds can apply for either our 2 or 3 day program (PreK3). Programs cannot be combined. The PreK3 runs from 9-12. PreK3 students can opt in to attend Lunch Bunch from 12-1 on their program days.  Our 4 year olds attend a 3 day program (PreK4) that runs from 9-1. They will eat lunch during their school day in the classroom. If there is space available in PreK4, the Preschool Coordinator will offer a 4th day. There is extended day childcare available only for PreK4 students until 3:00.

There is no aftercare in our building for preschoolers.