4K classes

AGE: 4-5 YRS
Class Size: 18 children

We are thrilled to be a part of Madison Metro School District’s 4K program. Monona Grove Nursery School is one of the Early Care and Education (ECE) centers (preschools) that offers free 4K classes to MMSD students who are age 4 by September 1st. Children from some surrounding districts can also be eligible through open enrollment.

5 Star

provider

WI DCF

State Licensed

CITY OF MADISON

ACCREDITED

Our Approach

Our 4K program provides the perfect balance of play-based learning and kindergarten readiness. Children learn through guided exploration, hands-on activities, and meaningful social interactions that encourage curiosity, creativity, problem-solving, and independence.

Play-Based Learning That Inspires

Our classrooms encourage children to learn through play, exploration, and discovery. Guided activities and hands-on experiences help build early literacy, problem-solving, creativity, and social skills in ways that feel natural and engaging.

Small Classes, More Individual Attention

With a maximum of 18 children, two dedicated teachers, and parent volunteers in the classroom, children receive more personalized support than they often would in larger preschool or public 4K programs.

A Trusted Community for Growing Learners

For more than 50 years, MGNS has provided a caring, nurturing environment where every child is valued as an individual. As an MMSD 4K site, eligible families receive a tuition-free public 4K education while enjoying the close-knit community and personalized approach that make MGNS unique.

See What Makes Our 4K Program Different

Discover how MGNS combines the curriculum of a public 4K program with the warmth of a small preschool community. Learn how play-based learning, experienced teachers, and individualized attention help children thrive.

MGNS Schedule

Morning
Classes

Mon

Tue

Wed

Thu

Fri

9:00 am – 11:00 am

mon – FRI

Toddler Time

Choose one or more days per week

8:45 am – 11:45 am

mon – WED

Starfish

Preschool

THU – FRI

Penguins

Preschool

8:40 am – 11:45 am

TUE – FRI

Dolphins

Afternoon
Classes

Mon

Tue

Wed

Thu

Fri

12:40 pm – 3:45 pm

TUE – FRI

Sea Otters

Mixed age Preschool/4K

Ready to enroll?
It’s as easy as 1, 2, 3!

enroll now

Rates

Program

Days per Week

Monthly Tuition

Annual Tuition

Dolphins

Days per Week

FREE*

Sea Otters 4K

Days per Week

FREE*

* Tuition is free for MMSD 4K students who reside in the district or are open enrolled.

enroll now

Popular Questions

Who is eligible for the MMSD 4K program?

MMSD will enroll any student in their community-based programs who is 4 years old by Sept. 1, 2026 and lives within the Madison Metropolitan School District.
There is no tuition for those students. However, MMSD will charge a materials fee and MGNS will charge a field trip fee; families are expected to cover both of those costs.
Students from surrounding communities may also choose MGNS for their 4K experience by applying for open enrollment into the MMSD. This is an easy process that we are happy to assist you with.
4k will be free of charge for those open enrolling in MMSD.

We would love for our child to come to MGNS for 4K, but we live in Cottage Grove (or Monona, McFarland, Sun Prairie, etc.). Can we still attend MGNS for 4K?

Yes! Through the process of open enrollment, you can apply to the Madison School District for the upcoming school year and attend MGNS as a MMSD student for free. DPI website for Open Enrollment is https://dpi.wi.gov/open-enrollment. Please contact us if you need help!

What does “Parent Coop” and “Helping Parent” mean?

Since its founding, MGNS has been a parent cooperative school. We believe that families and teachers are partners in a child’s first school experience.

As part of our cooperative model, each family is required to serve as a “Helping Parent” in the classroom each semester. Helping Parents stay for the entire class session, provide a snack, assist with cleanup, and engage in play and learning activities with the children. It is a special opportunity to be part of your child’s school day and connect with the classroom community.

A Helping Parent may be any adult designated to represent your family. For the safety of our students, all Helping Parents must complete a background check. In addition, each family contributes to the school by taking on a Parent Co-op job. These volunteer roles help support the day-to-day operation of MGNS and may include tasks such as assisting with fundraisers, making playdough, doing classroom laundry, maintaining the playground, and more.

Quick Links

Why MGNS

Discover what makes Monona Grove Nursery School unique and why families have trusted our play-based approach for generations.

Learn More

Take a tour

Visit our classrooms, meet our teachers, and see firsthand how children learn, explore, and grow at MGNS.

Learn More

FAQ

Look here for many of the most frequently asked questions!

Learn More

4K classes

Our Approach

Play-Based Learning That Inspires

Small Classes, More Individual Attention

A Trusted Community for Growing Learners

See What Makes Our 4K Program Different

MGNS Schedule

Rates

Popular Questions

Who is eligible for the MMSD 4K program?

We would love for our child to come to MGNS for 4K, but we live in Cottage Grove (or Monona, McFarland, Sun Prairie, etc.). Can we still attend MGNS for 4K?

What does “Parent Coop” and “Helping Parent” mean?

Quick Links

Why MGNS

Take a tour

FAQ

Contact
MGNS

Newsletter Signup

Enroll
Today