Dearborn Public Schools includes 21 buildings with elementary students and one dedicated early childhood center with preschool programs. Additional preschool programs operate within other buildings.
All of our elementary schools include dedicated, well-trained staff ready to help your child succeed and excel. Art and gym are offered throughout the elementary grades. Vocal music is offered to all elementary students, and older elementary students have the opportunity to learn musical instruments.
More information on specific programs is provided below.
The Early Learning Coalition
The Early Learning Coalition focuses:
- Healthy families prepared for life
- School readiness/grade level by the third grade
- Family independence and success
The coalition’s goal is to provide families with resources to prepare children to be career & college ready.
Early Learning initiatives include:
Books for Babies – New mothers receive a bag of resources and a first book for their baby from their Dearborn-based pediatrician.
Parent University– Interactive parent/child workshops for children from birth to age four. To learn more, view the Parent University page.
Great Start Readiness Preschool Program (GSRP)
Dearborn Public Schools Great Start Readiness Program provides a high quality early learning experience for four-year-old students. GSRP Preschool is a free full-day program for children who qualify.
To qualify, children must reside in the Dearborn Public School District and be 4 years of age by December 2nd of the year of entry. (Preference will be given to student who turn 4 by September 1.) Students selected for the Great Start Readiness Program must meet family income guidelines or other risk factors as set forth by Michigan Department of Education (MDE).
Visit the Cotter School/GSRP website for more information.
Young 5s Kindergarten Program
Young 5s is offered for children who turn five years old between June 15 and December 2nd or who need the time and opportunity to continue building their skills and abilities before starting kindergarten. Their time in Young 5s Kindergarten will help them succeed in kindergarten, become leaders in the classroom and confidently navigate the school day routine. Young 5s is the first year of a two-year kindergarten experience for those students.
Young 5s Kindergarten provides children with an opportunity to learn in an enriching and academically challenging environment that nurtures their growth. Research shows that children who attend kindergarten readiness programs like Young 5s Kindergarten are more likely to do well in school and attend college.
For more details, call Student Services at 313-827-3005.
Young Fives flyer for 2023-24 in Arabic
Childcare Programs – Kids Club Before and After School Care
Kids Club activities and experiences engage students ages 5-12 in creativity, problem solving, socializing and team building, exercise, skill building and much more. Trained child care providers lead students in:
- games and activities
- projects
- music and movement
- community involvement activities such as Holidays Around the World and the end of the year picnic
- an opportunity to begin homework or other extended learning opportunities
Visit the program page for more information
Tuition Based Developmental Preschool
Dearborn Public Schools offers paid preschool at several locations. Our preschool programs are developmentally appropriate and incorporate skills such as early literacy, math, science, and art. Circle time, large group and small group activities, music and movement, and center time foster social emotional, cognitive and physical development in our preschoolers. Children between the ages of three to 5 years of age and who are completely toilet learned are eligible for this program. Half day (either morning or afternoon), full day and extended day options are available, depending on the location. Parents can select the days and times that are the most convenient for them.
Learn more at our Developmental Preschool Registration page or call Early Childhood at 313-827-8350.
Toddler/Adult Developmental Preschool
Our paid Toddler/Adult Program provides an opportunity for children ages 18 to 36 months and their parents or caregivers to participate in activities. We include sensory and social experiences, learning games, music and even take home activities. This one hour program meets once a week for six weeks.
Learn more at the Toddler/Parent Program registration page or call Early Childhood Services at 313-827-8350.