(608) 222-4633
Madison, WI
Contact Us
What classes do MGNS offer?
Toddler Time
Offered daily, Monday – Friday, 9:00 – 11:00 AM
Preschool (3 year olds)
Starfish: Monday/Tuesday/Wednesday, 8:45 – 11:45 AM
Penguins: Thursday/Friday, 8:45 – 11:45 AM
Mixed Preschool (3 year olds) & MMSD 4K Afternoons
Sea Otters: Tuesday – Friday, 12:40 – 3:45 PM
4K kids attend Tuesday – Friday; Preschool kids can choose 3 or 4 days a week
MMSD 4K Mornings
Dolphins: Tuesday – Friday, 8:40 – 11:45 AM
Lunch Bunch
Tuesday – Friday, 11:45 AM – 12:45 PM
Is there a registration fee when you apply?
Yes. Each preschool family is required to attach a $100 registration fee to apply. Each Toddler Time family is required to attach a $25 registration fee to apply. Registration fees are non-refundable. This fee is not required for families enrolling in the 4K programs through MMSD!
When can I register my child?
Current families (includes kids currently enrolled):
In Person: Registration begins at 8:00 AM on Monday, February 16.
It is first come, first served, just inside the purple MGNS school door.
Online: Submit your application online starting at 8:00 AM on Monday, February 16.
The application will open at 8:00 AM and it will be time stamped. Any registration fees will need to be paid online or that week via check.
New and alumni families (alumni families have a preference over new families for that day):
In Person: Registration begins at 8:00 AM on Monday, February 23.
It is first come, first served, just inside the purple MGNS school door.
Online: Submit your application online starting at 8:00 AM on Monday, February 23.
The application will open at 8 AM and it will be time stamped. Any registration fees will need to be paid online or that week via check.
You can send your application in with a friend or family member if you cannot make it in person.
To be considered, all applications must be complete, meaning they include all initials, signatures, and have the appropriate registration fee attached or sent in that week.
What is the order of enrollment preference?
*The order of preference shall be in effect for enrollment day but not beyond.*
1st MGNS 2025-26 board members
2nd Current co-op families (enrolled in any program during the 2025-26 school year)
3rd Alumni families (family member enrolled in a previous year)
4th New families to MGNS
Is there financial aid available for the preschool programs?
Yes! There are several options for financial aid
State Aid:
MGNS is a 5-star Youngstar school and therefore accepts state aid through the WI shares program. https://dcf.wisconsin.gov/wishares/apply
City of Madison Childcare Grants:
https://www.cityofmadison.com/commserv/CommunityTAP.html
MGNS Scholarships:
MGNS also has our own scholarship program!. Typically we are able to fund two scholarships a year (up to 50% tuition each). Applications for MGNS scholarships can be found on our website or by clicking here:
[The form is coming]
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.
What is the process to register for the MMSD 4K program at MGNS?
1. Enroll in your choice of class with MGNS on the above dates.
2. Complete the online and in person enrollment for MMSD: https://www.madison.k12.wi.us/early-learning/
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 are the age requirements for enrollment?
MMSD 4K kids must be 4 years old by September 1, 2026. All kids enrolling as tuition-paying preschoolers must be at least 3 years old by December 1, 2026. All students for preschool and 4K must be completely potty trained. Toddler Time kids come with a grown up, and therefore can be any age!
What does fully potty trained mean?
Our state license requires that all students are fully potty trained by the start of school. Fully potty trained means that they can let us know when they need to go, can use the bathroom independently including wiping themselves, and if they have an accident- they can change their own clothes.
Is it possible for a preschooler to attend MGNS 5 mornings a week?
Yes! A family can sign up for both the Penguin and the Starfish class, and come to school Monday-Friday mornings. Please note that the student would be part of two different classes with two different sets of teachers – but it works! You will also need to do helping parent duties in two classes.
What is Toddler Time?
Toddler Time is for kids and their grown up to come together. It is an introduction to preschool. There is a $25 non-refundable registration fee. Registration is for the entire school year.
Most kids come 1 day/week, but some come 2 days and your 2nd day is ½ off.
Your yearly tuition can be paid in 10 monthly installments – just like preschool! Toddler Time kids will register in our online system (ELV) so that they can make payments and receive school wide texts (sent in the event of a school closure or illness).
Will there be Lunch Bunch this school year?
Yes! Lunch Bunch is an add-on program that exists over the lunch hour. For AM kids – they would stay from 11:45 AM – 12:45 PM in Lunch Bunch and then get picked up. For PM kids – they would come an hour early. Each child brings their own lunch and drink. Lunch Bunch is available Tuesday-Friday.
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.
What if I have additional questions?
If you have additional questions please email School Director, Sue Carr at director@mgns.org. Sue and her teaching team would love to help you with this process!
Quick Links
MGNS Calendar
Stay up to date with school events, important dates, family activities, and celebrations throughout the year.
Forms
Find forms, required documents, and other helpful resources for new and current MGNS families.
Fundraisers
Support MGNS through community events and year-round fundraising programs that help enrich our school.