Preschool & 4K

Guidelines for Enrollment of Preschool Students

(Note: all children must be toilet trained prior to entering preschool)

Three-Year-Old Preschool Program

Enrollment Age Guidelines

• Children who are 3 years of age on or before November 30 may enroll in the three-year-old preschool program..

Program Requirements

• Three-year-old preschool students must be enrolled for a minimum of three days per week.
• Scheduled days must remain the same each week and may not alternate.
• Both half-day and full-day program options are available.
• The latest enrollment date for the current school year is November 30.

Four-Year Old Preschool Program

Enrollment Age Guidelines

• Children who are 4 years of age on or before September 1 may choose to enroll in the four-year-old preschool program or the 4K program, which meets five full days per week.
• Children who turn 4 years old on or before September 1 must enroll in the four-year-old preschool program.

Program Requirements

• Four-year-old preschool students must be enrolled for a minimum of three days per week.
• Both half-day and full-day program options are available.
• Scheduled days must remain the same each week and may not alternate.
• The latest enrollment date for the current school year is November 30.

Early Childhood Program Progression Based on Birth Date

• 3 years old on or before September 1:
  Three Year Preschool → Four Year Preschool OR Four Year Kindergarten → Five Year Kindergarten
• 3 years old from September 2 through November 30:
  Three Year Preschool → Four Year Preschool → Four Year Kindergarten → Five Year Kindergarten
• 4 years old on or before September 1:
  Four Year Preschool OR Four Year Kindergarten → Five Year Kindergarten
• 4 years old from September 2 through November 30:
  Four Year Preschool → Four Year Kindergarten → Five Year Kindergarten

Columbus Catholic Schools Program Differences

Three-Year Preschool, Four-Year Preschool, and Four-Year Kindergarten

Three-Year-Old Preschool

• No uniform required
• Minimum attendance of three days per week
• Full day option: 7:40 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
• Half-day option: 7:40 a.m. to 10:40 a.m.
• Hot lunch included with full day tuition
• Extended care included with full day tuition
• Play-based learning environment
• Introduction to letters, numbers, colors, and shapes
• Afternoon rest time
• Does not participate in the school Christmas concert
  • Students have their own Christmas program
• Special classes include 20 minutes per week of Library and Physical Education

Four-Year-Old Preschool

• No uniform required
• Minimum attendance of three days per week
• Full day option: 7:40 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
• Half-day option: 7:40 a.m. to 10:40 a.m.
• Hot lunch included with full day tuition
• Extended care included with full day tuition
• Play-based learning environment
• Reinforcement of letters, numbers, colors, and shapes
• Introduction to writing readiness skills
• Afternoon rest time
• Does not participate in the school Christmas concert
  • Students have their own Christmas program
• Special classes include 20 minutes per week of Computer, Library, and Physical Education

Four-Year-Old Kindergarten

• School uniform required
• Attendance five days per week
• Full day only: 7:40 a.m. to 2:40 p.m.
• Weekly Mass attendance beginning during Advent
• Hot lunch not included in tuition
• Extended care not included in tuition
• Academically-based learning with emphasis on core subjects
  • Reading awareness, Math, Science, Social Studies, and Handwriting
• Shorter rest period
• Participates in the school Christmas concert
• Special classes include 30 minutes per week of Computer, Music, Library, and Physical Education

4-Year-Old Kindergarten (4K)

A place where children grow and thrive.

Our 4K program at Columbus Catholic Schools provides a nurturing, structured environment where children are known, supported, and prepared for success in 5-year-old kindergarten and beyond. With over 20 years of experience, our program is built on strong relationships, individualized instruction, and a faith-filled foundation.

Why Families Choose Our 4K Program

• Certified teachers with deep early childhood experience
• Over 20 years of a well-established 4K program
• Small class sizes that allow for one-on-one attention
• A loving, structured, and disciplined environment
• A teacher and full-day assistant in every 4K classroom
• Focus on the whole child: academic, social, emotional, and spiritual growth
• Strong kindergarten readiness and social development skills
• Religion and Mass opportunities, along with core academics and specialty classes
• A welcoming environment for all families (you do not have to be Catholic)
• Strong relationships with families, often teaching siblings year after year
• A cohesive and experienced 4K team with excellent collaboration and retention
• Wisconsin Parental Choice Program participation and tuition grants available

Faith-Filled and Welcoming to All

Our program is rooted in Catholic values and faith formation, while embracing families of all backgrounds. Students learn morality, belief, hope, and love in a setting where they are cared for and supported each day.

Personalized Support That Makes a Difference

Smaller class sizes and the support of both a teacher and a full-time assistant help us meet each child’s unique needs academically and personally while building meaningful connections that support confidence and growth.

What Parents Are Saying

“This has been a wonderful home away from home for our children.”

“We love the school, the teachers, the staff, and most importantly the faith-filled environment our children are surrounded by.”

“We appreciate how personal the teachers are and how well they communicate with us about our child’s academic and personal growth.”

For More Information

Nicki Kitchner
Admissions Director
Phone: 715-387-1177 x3323
Email: admissions@columbusdons.org 

Tuition Reduction Opportunities

Columbus Catholic Schools are committed to helping all families provide a Catholic education for their children, regardless of financial ability. A variety of tuition assistance and reduction options are available to support families.

CCS Payment Plans

Columbus Catholic Schools use automatic withdrawals to manage tuition payments. Families may choose the payment option that best fits their needs, including semiannual, quarterly, or monthly plans. Payments are made through automatic withdrawal from a checking or savings account.

Columbus Catholic Tuition Grants

The Columbus Catholic Tuition Grant Program is based on varying levels of financial need. The application process is simple and confidential. Families are asked to complete and submit the FACTS Grant and Aid Application, available online. There is no fee to apply, and all information is kept confidential by FACTS.

Families are always welcome to meet personally with Finance Director Danielle Rummells or CCS President David Eaton to discuss tuition and financial assistance options.

Wisconsin Parental Choice Program (Tuition Voucher)

The Wisconsin Parental Choice Program allows eligible families to receive a tuition voucher to enroll their children in approved private schools. Columbus Catholic Schools have participated in this program since the 2012–2013 school year.

Eligibility is based on family income, which must be at or below 220 percent of the federal poverty level. Income guidelines are available online or by contacting CCS President David Eaton at 715-387-1177.

To learn more or apply for the Wisconsin Parental Choice Program, go to https://www.columbuscatholicschools.org/admissions/parental-choice.cfm. Families may also contact CCS for assistance with the application process.

Tax Deductions

The State of Wisconsin offers an income tax deduction for private and religious school tuition expenses. Families may claim:

• Up to $4,000 per dependent child in Kindergarten through Grade 8
• Up to $10,000 per dependent child in Grades 9 through 12

These deductions apply to qualifying tuition expenses paid during the tax year.

Gift Card (SCRIP) Program

The Gift Card Program provides another way for families to reduce tuition. CCS purchases gift cards from local and national vendors at a discount and sells them at face value. Profits are split 80 percent toward family tuition and 20 percent toward CCS.

Many families use gift cards for everyday expenses such as groceries, gas, dining, clothing, gifts, and travel.

Scholarships

Columbus Catholic Schools offer several scholarship opportunities through an application process. The application period begins in January and concludes shortly after Spring Break. Additional scholarship opportunities may also be available through outside organizations.

For more information about tuition reduction opportunities, please visit www.columbuscatholicschools.org or contact the Finance Office at 715-387-1177, extension 3306.