Milwaukee North Shore preschool open houses 2026

Preschools across seven North Shore communities are hosting open houses and enrollment events from January through April 2026, giving families unprecedented opportunities to explore early childhood options. The busiest week falls January 10-15, with five confirmed open houses, while several nature-based and Montessori programs offer rolling tours. Registration for most 2026-27 programs opens in mid-January, with many schools filling on a first-come, first-served basis.

This guide covers confirmed dates, contact information, and practical planning details for every North Shore preschool open house—organized by community to help families efficiently visit multiple schools in their target areas.

Whitefish Bay

The village's diverse preschool landscape includes parent cooperatives, faith-based programs, and nationally accredited centers serving children from infancy through pre-kindergarten.

Community Preschool of Whitefish Bay

Open House: Saturday, January 10, 2026, 10:00 AM–12:00 PM

• Address: 5655 N. Lake Drive (lower level of Christ Church), Whitefish Bay, WI 53217

• Phone: (414) 961-0432

• Website: communitypreschoolwfb.com

This 60-year-old parent cooperative emphasizes play-based learning with monthly music classes from specialist instructors. The toddler program notably does not require potty training. Class options include two-day toddler sessions (Monday/Wednesday or Tuesday/Thursday mornings) for children turning 2 by September 1, and preschool classes for ages 3-4 in two-day, three-day, or four-day configurations.

Registration timeline: Returning families begin January 13, new families January 20. A $50 application fee and $200 tuition deposit (due February 10) are required. The cooperative model requires parent classroom participation.

Tree of Life Christian Preschool

Open House: Sunday, January 12, 2026, 10:00 AM–12:00 PM

• Address: 819 E. Silver Spring Drive, Whitefish Bay, WI 53217

• Phone: (414) 964-8733

• Website: treeoflifepreschool.org

A ministry of United Methodist Church of Whitefish Bay, Tree of Life welcomes families of all faiths—no church membership required. Director Kari Nau leads this play-based program rooted in Christian values of kindness and compassion. The Sunshine Room serves toddlers (2s) while the Rainbow Room prepares 3-year-olds for kindergarten readiness.

Once Upon A Preschool Inc.

Open House: Wednesday, January 15, 2026, 6:00 PM–7:30 PM

• Address: 1200 E. Hampton Road (Bay Shore Lutheran Church, second floor), Whitefish Bay, WI 53217

• Website: once-upon-a-preschool.com

This intimate program maintains a maximum capacity of 16 children, ages 2½ to 6 years. The evening open house timing accommodates working parents. Ample parking is available behind the church building.

Saint Monica School

Open House: Sunday, January 25, 2026 (time TBD)

• Address: 5635 N. Santa Monica Boulevard, Whitefish Bay, WI 53217

• Phone: (414) 332-3660

• Website: stmonica.school

This Catholic school serves 3K through 8th grade with faith-based academics and a state-of-the-art Science Lab. Online applications open January 25, with Phase II admission decisions released in early February. Children must be fully toilet trained by the first day of school. Enrollment priorities favor current students, siblings, parish members, and alumni children. Tours available by appointment via Calendly.

Gan Ami Early Childhood (JCC)

Tours by appointment

• Address: Harry & Rose Samson Family JCC, 6255 N. Santa Monica Boulevard, Whitefish Bay, WI 53217

• Phone: (414) 967-8173

• Website: jccmilwaukee.org

This 5-star YoungStar and NAC-accredited center serves children from 6 weeks through K4 using a Reggio Emilia-inspired approach with Jewish values. Families of all backgrounds welcome. Specialists teach art, music, gym, and Hebrew for K3/K4. JCC membership—which includes fitness and aquatics access—is required and included with enrollment.

Additional Whitefish Bay programs

Carpenter's Shop Christian Daycare at 819 E. Silver Spring Drive offers full-day care (7:00 AM–6:00 PM) from infancy through elementary age, with weekly chapel time. Contact (414) 964-8733.

Milestones Programs at Lydell Community Center (5205 N. Lydell Avenue) provides licensed care for ages 8 weeks to 8 years. This Wisconsin childcare pioneer since 1979 operates year-round. Contact Mark Suchowski at (414) 963-3864.

Shorewood

Shorewood's preschool scene features a tuition-free public 4K program alongside specialized Spanish immersion and cooperative options.

Shorewood School District 4K Program

"Hooray for 4K" Open House: Wednesday, January 28, 2026, 6:00–7:00 PM

• Locations: Atwater Elementary (2100 E. Capitol Drive) and Lake Bluff Elementary (1600 E. Lake Bluff Boulevard)

• Phone: (414) 963-6900

• Website: shorewood.k12.wi.us

This tuition-free program for Shorewood residents offers half-day sessions (morning or afternoon) five days per week. Children must turn 4 by September 1, 2026. Registration opens January 1, 2026, with an AM session lottery deadline of February 9. Milestones Programs provides wraparound care from 7:00 AM to 5:45 PM for an additional fee.

No RSVP required for the open house. Contact Carmen Garcia Sirera at cgarciasirera@shorewood.k12.wi.us (Atwater) or Pam Scheferman at pscheferman@shorewood.k12.wi.us (Lake Bluff).

Bright Beginnings Preschool

Contact for 2026 dates

• Locations: Atwater and Lake Bluff Elementary Schools

• Phone: (414) 963-6913 ext. 4

• Website: shorewood.k12.wi.us/departments/recreation

This Recreation Department program serves 3-year-olds (must be 3 by October 31) in classes of 14 students. Three-day (M/W/F) tuition runs $2,200 for 2026-27; two-day (T/Th) is $1,800. A $100 discount applies for full payment at registration, with a $200 nonrefundable deposit required.

Casa de Corazón – Shorewood

Tours available by request

• Address: 4114 N. Oakland Avenue, Shorewood, WI 53211

• Hours: 7:30 AM–5:30 PM

• Website: casaearlylearning.com

This Spanish immersion program serves children 6 weeks to 7 years with complete language immersion from day one. Organic, farm-to-table meals and eco-friendly practices distinguish this center. Weekly swim lessons for preschoolers and community field trips enhance the curriculum. Multi-child discounts (5-10%) and first-responder/military discounts (10%) available.

Whitefish Bay-Shorewood Nursery School

Contact for 2026 open house date

• Address: 1225 E. Olive Street, Shorewood, WI 53211

• Phone: (414) 964-3590

• Website: wfbshorewoodnurseryschool.com

This 60-year-old parent-founded cooperative serves ages 2-4 with play-based morning sessions. Classes fill quickly on a first-come, first-served basis. Tuition ranges from $900 to $1,700 per semester depending on schedule. New family registration typically opens in early January. Contact Kathleen Reid at (312) 316-5901 for enrollment questions.

Fox Point

St. Eugene School

Open House: Sunday, January 25, 2026, 9:30 AM–12:30 PM

• Address: 7600 N. Port Washington Road, Fox Point, WI 53217

• Phone: (414) 918-1120

• Website: steugene.school

This Catholic school earned Archdiocesan Exemplary Recognition in Mission & Catholic Identity, Academic Excellence, Innovative Programs, and Educating the Whole Student. The open house includes personalized tours, 3K/4K/5K information sessions at 10:00 AM and 12:00 PM, and older grade demonstrations throughout the day.

Applications for the 2026-27 school year open on this date. The 8:1 to 15:1 student-teacher ratio and participation in the Special Needs Scholarship Program (SNSP) distinguish this PreK-8 program. Schedule tours via calendly.com/fleische-steugene or contact fleische@steugene.school.

Fox Point Lutheran Preschool

Contact for 2026 dates

• Address: 7510 N. Santa Monica Boulevard, Fox Point, WI 53217

• Website: foxpointchurch.org

Established in 1967, this Christian-based program serves children from 2 years 9 months to age 4. Class options include Tuesday/Thursday mornings, Monday/Wednesday/Friday mornings, or M/W/F afternoons—all running 9:00–11:30 AM or 12:30–3:00 PM. Maximum class size of 16 students.

Rainbow Preschool

Contact for 2026 dates

• Address: 7330 N. Santa Monica Boulevard, Fox Point, WI 53217

• Phone: (414) 351-1908

• Email: rainbowpreschoolwi@gmail.com

Operating since 1973, this private preschool serves children 2 years 9 months and older. Contact directly for current enrollment information.

Bayside

Schlitz Audubon Nature School

Application Deadline: January 15, 2026 (Priority Enrollment)

• Address: 1111 E. Brown Deer Road, Bayside, WI 53217

• Phone: (414) 352-2880 ext. 154

• Website: schlitzaudubon.org/nature-school

This award-winning environmental education program on a 185-acre Lake Michigan preserve offers children at least half their class time outdoors in all seasons. Nature Preschool (3K) serves ages 3-5; Nature K4 serves ages 4-5.

2026-27 tuition: Two-day programs run $3,605/year; three-day programs $4,982; four-day K4 programs $5,828. Class sizes cap at 16 with an 8:1 student-adult ratio. Family membership to the Nature Center is included. Children must be potty trained.

The $65 application fee is non-refundable. Priority goes to returning students, then alumni siblings, then members, then non-members. No formal open house—schedule tours by calling extension 154.

Fox Point-Bayside School District 4K

Contact for 2026 dates

• Location: Stormonth Elementary School, 7301 N. Longacre Road, Fox Point, WI 53217

• Website: foxbay.k12.wi.us

This tuition-free public 4K serves district residents with play-based learning including art, music, Spanish, library, PE, and guidance instruction. Strong home-school connections support social, emotional, and academic development.

Glendale and River Hills

Parkway School (Glendale-River Hills School District)

Enrollment Info & Tours: Wednesday, January 15, 2026, 8:00–10:00 AM and 5:00–7:00 PM

• Address: 5910 N. Milwaukee River Parkway, Glendale, WI 53209

• Phone: (414) 351-7170

• Website: parkway.glendale.k12.wi.us

This tuition-free K4 program serves Glendale and River Hills residents. Session times are determined by geography: south of Mill Road attends mornings; north of Mill Road attends afternoons. Children must turn 4 by September 1, 2026.

Additional dates: Parent Informational Meeting on May 6, 2026 (6:00–7:00 PM); ESI Screening and Supply Drop Off on August 12-13, 2026; Caregiver Orientation on August 26, 2026.

North Shore Montessori School

Tours available—schedule online

• Address: 4650 N. Port Washington Road (Lexington Building), Milwaukee, WI 53212

• Phone: (414) 906-8900

• Website: montessorinorthshore.org

This authentic AMI Montessori school serves the entire North Shore with Prima Community (ages 2-3), Children's House (ages 3-6), and Elementary (ages 6-12) programs. Annual tuition approximately $7,600 with up to 50% financial aid available. Rolling admissions with a March 21 deadline. Wrap-around care and summer programming offered.

North Shore Preschool & Child Care

Open enrollment—tours available

• Address: 7703 N. Green Bay Road (Memorial Lutheran Church), Glendale, WI 53209

• Phone: (414) 351-9290

• Website: northshorepreschool.com

This 4-star YoungStar center offers K3, K4, and school-age programs from 6:30 AM to 6:00 PM. Specialty classrooms include art, music, motor skills, and computers. Enrollment fees: $75 for new families, $25 annual fee for returning families.

Casa de Corazón – Glendale

Tours available by request

• Address: 4600 N. Port Washington Road, Glendale, WI 53217

• Website: casaearlylearning.com

Sister location to the Shorewood campus offering the same Spanish immersion curriculum for ages 6 weeks to pre-K.

Maple Dale-Indian Hill School District

Contact for 2026 dates

• Location: Indian Hill School, River Hills, WI

• Phone: (414) 351-7380 x1069

• Website: mapledale.k12.wi.us

Ranked #1 public elementary school in Wisconsin by Niche (2025), this district serves Fox Point, River Hills, Bayside, and Glendale residents. The 4K program at Indian Hill School features environmental education with prairie and wetland spaces. Contact Principal Beth Fairchild for enrollment information.

Nearby communities

Downtown Montessori Academy

Open House: Wednesday, January 14, 2026, 5:30 PM–7:00 PM

• Address: 2507 S. Graham Street, Milwaukee, WI 53207

• Phone: (414) 744-6005

• Website: downtownmontessori.com

This Milwaukee Public Charter Montessori school offers toddler (ages 2½-3), Children's House (K3-K5), and elementary programs through grade 8. 2026-27 enrollment is NOW OPEN via Skyward pre-enrollment. A lottery applies when applications exceed seats; siblings and Montessori-experienced students receive preference. Arrive anytime during the open house window.

Mequon area programs

Gan Ami – Mequon Campus at Linda & Fred Wein Center (10813 N. Port Washington Road) offers the same JCC early childhood program as Whitefish Bay. Contact Karen Faust at (262) 242-9871.

Crossroads Presbyterian Church Preschool offers 2K and 3K programs with class sizes of 12-16 students. Current family registration begins late January; new families in February. Both programs are currently full for 2025-26 with waitlists available.

Mequon-Thiensville School District 4K provides free, state-funded kindergarten with pre-registration through May 1. Partner site Range Line Preschool & Childcare serves families needing full-day care.

Brown Deer School District 4K

Enrollment typically opens April 2026

• Address: Brown Deer Elementary, 5757 W. Dean Road, Brown Deer, WI 53209

• Website: browndeerschools.com

This free 5-day program offers AM (8:35–11:30) or PM (12:35–3:30) sessions for residents with children turning 4 by September 1. YMCA partnership provides wrap care and before/after school options.

What parents should know about attending open houses

January's critical week from January 10-15 features five open houses. Families interested in multiple schools should prioritize by program type and location. The Community Preschool (January 10) and Tree of Life (January 12) open houses occur before the busy Wednesday schedule of Parkway School and Once Upon A Preschool (both January 15).

Most open houses do not require RSVP, though private tours at Montessori and nature-based programs must be scheduled in advance. Parents should bring questions about potty training requirements (varies significantly by school), tuition payment plans, and wraparound care availability.

Registration typically requires:

• Proof of child's age (birth certificate)

• Proof of residency (utility bill, lease) for public programs

• Non-refundable application fees ($50-75 at most private schools)

• Tuition deposits ($200 at cooperative programs)

Schools filling fastest include the cooperative programs (Community Preschool, WFB-Shorewood Nursery) and Schlitz Audubon Nature School. Mark January 15 as the nature school's priority deadline, and January 20 for Community Preschool's new family registration opening.

For schools without confirmed 2026 dates, contact directly for tour scheduling—most accommodate individual visits throughout the enrollment season.