2025 Lottery Open For Free Preschool In West Orange (How To Apply)

WEST ORANGE, NJ — The West Orange Public School District has opened up lottery applications for a new year of preschool, administrators announced Tuesday.

The Mini-Mountaineers Pre-School Program offers a full-day preschool experience at no cost to West Orange families. The program receives state funding.

According to school officials, some details of the program include:

• Full-Day Preschool at No Cost – "Families in West Orange can enroll their children in a full-day preschool program without tuition fees, reflecting the district's commitment to equitable access to education."
• Limited Class Size – "With a maximum of 15 students per class, children receive personalized attention in an optimal learning environment."
• Qualified Teaching Staff – "New Jersey Certified preschool teachers and dedicated teacher assistants lead every classroom, providing exceptional care and education."
• Inclusive Meal Services – "Breakfast, lunch, and snacks are provided based on income eligibility to ensure all students have access to nutritious meals."
• Before and After School Services – "Optional services are available for working parents at an additional cost, adding convenience and flexibility."
• Multiple Locations – "In addition to West Orange, the program now includes locations in Montclair, Orange, and Livingston, broadening access to families in neighboring communities."

Parents can visit www.woboe.org/preschool to join the lottery and begin the pre-registration process.

The district will also be holding information nights at local elementary schools, where families can receive personalized assistance with registration and pre-registration requirements. Those events will take place on the following dates:

• January 21 – St. Cloud Elementary – 6 PM
• January 22 – Kelly Elementary – 6 PM
• January 23 – Washington Elementary – 6 PM
• January 27 – Gregory Elementary – 6 PM
• January 28 – Hazel Elementary – 6 PM
• January 29 – Mt. Pleasant Elementary – 6 PM
• January 30 – Redwood Elementary – 6 PM

“We are thrilled to continue building on the success of our inaugural year,” said Kalisha Dorlean, the district’s supervisor of early childhood.

“This program represents our unwavering commitment to providing equitable, high-quality early childhood education to families in West Orange and beyond,” Dorlean said. “Seeing the joy and growth in our young learners motivates us to expand and enhance the program for even more families.”

• See Related: West Orange Will Add Preschool Seats With $1.4M Funding Boost

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