Tuition Assistance- Half Day Preschool
Tuition assistance is available for St. Louis Park residents and based on household income.
Eligibility for these benefits is determined by the Federal Poverty Level, which is aligned to the Free and Reduced Price Meal (FRPM) income eligibility guidelines. Eligibility can also be established through direct, dated certification of federal or state assistance programs (see below).
Using the chart below, determine if your household income qualifies under the free or reduced-price lunch eligibility guidelines provided by the USDA. If your income falls within the eligible range, you may receive a discount on preschool tuition. The amount of the discount is then based on the number of days your child will attend preschool each week.
Click here to consult the Federal Poverty Level calculator.
Students who qualify for tuition assistance or scholarships must complete an Early Childhood Screening within 90 days of starting school. Early Childhood Screening is a state requirement for Kindergarten entrance.
To apply:
1) Complete a Tuition Assistance/Scholarship form (request an application OR pick up at the Central Early Learning Center)
2) Submit one proof of income such as:
– two recent paystubs
– Most recent tax return
– Documentation of participation in a federal or state assistance program (MFIP, CCAP, FRPL, CACFP, SNAP, Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations, Head Start, Foster Care). Acceptable documentation includes: letter of approval/explanation of benefits and/or screenshot of your account, including name and account number.
Reduced Price Meals | ||||
Household Size | Annual Income | Monthly Income | Every Two Weeks | Weekly |
2 | $39,128 | $3,261 | $1,505 | $753 |
3 | $49,303 | $4,019 | $1,897 | $949 |
4 | $59,478 | $4,957 | $2,288 | $1,144 |
5 | $69,653 | $5,805 | $2,679 | $1,340 |
6 | $79,828 | $6,653 | $3,071 | $1,536 |
7 | $90,003 | $7,501 | $3,462 | $1,731 |
8 | $100,178 | $8,349 | $3,853 | $1,927 |
Each Additional Family Member | $10,175 | $484 | $392 | $196 |
Free Meals | ||||
Household Size | Annual Income | Monthly Income | Every Two Weeks | Weekly |
2 | $27,495 | $2,292 | $1,058 | $529 |
3 | $36,645 | $2,888 | $1,333 | $667 |
4 | $41,795 | $3,483 | $1,608 | $804 |
5 | $48,945 | $4,079 | $1,883 | $942 |
6 | $56,095 | $4,675 | $2,158 | $1,079 |
7 | $63,245 | $5,271 | $2,433 | $1,217 |
8 | $70,395 | $5,867 | $2,708 | $1,354 |
Each Additional Family Member | $7,150 | $596 | $275 | $138 |
2025-26 | Full Rate | Free Lunch Guideline Families who meet the Free Lunch guideline are eligible for 95% tuition assistance and pay 5% of tuition. | Reduced Lunch Guideline Families who meet the Reduced Lunch guideline are eligible for 75% tuition assistance and pay 25% of tuition. | Within $6000 of Annual Salary Range If income is within $6000 of the annual salary range, families are eligible for 50% tuition assistance and pay 50% of tuition. |
Discount | 95% Discount | 75% Discount | 50% Discount | |
$75 Registration Fee | waived | waived | waived | |
EL PreK – 5 day class | $455 | $23 per month | $114 per month | $228 per month |
EL PreK – 4 day class | $370 | $19 per month | $93 per month | $185 per month |
EL PreK – 3 day class | $295 | $15 per month | $74 per month | $148 per month |
EL PreK – 2 day class | $220 | $11 per month | $55 per month | $110 per month |