Foundations Preschool Washtenaw

We are the largest, nationally accredited early education center in Washtenaw County providing subsidized tuition for all enrolled children and year-round extended care.
Through our safety net early education programming and essential services, we serve approximately 160 of the most needful children in the area each year, ranging in age from 6 weeks to 12 years.
In addition to seven classrooms, our facility holds two large indoor play spaces and more than 20,000 square feet of playgrounds, including a variety of play structures and raised bed gardens.
We offer multiple programs: Preschool for ages 6 weeks to 5 years from September through mid-June Days of Discovery summer programming from mid-June through August for kids up to age 12 Great Start Readiness program; Michigan's state-funded preschool Program for four-year-old children with factors which may place them at risk of educational failure.
Along with our lead and associate teachers, our cadre of professionals includes an early learning program director, a social worker, and an English/Spanish translation professional.

Quick Stats (2024)

Top Rankings

Foundations Preschool Washtenaw ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Michigan for:

Category
Attribute
School History

School Overview

Religious Affiliation
Grades Offered
Grades Nursery/Preschool-5
Year Founded
1934
Summer School Offered
Yes
Summer Program Details

Student Body

Total Students
106 students
Student Body Type
Co-ed
% Students of Color
90%
State avg.: 19%
Students by Grade
Foundations Preschool Washtenaw Student By Grade

Academics and Faculty

Total Classroom Teachers
16 teachers
Student : Teacher Ratio
7:1
National avg.: 13:1
Average Class Size
16 students

Tuition and Acceptance Rate

Admission Deadline
None / Rolling
Tuition Notes
Tuition is on a sliding scale and based on household income.
Admissions Associate
Sheri Judkins

School Notes

  • Foundations Preschool began as Perry Nursery School in 1934 in the depth of the Great Depression. Perry Nursery School was started by Edith Bader, Assistant Superintendent of the Ann Arbor Public Schools, as one of four WPA (Works Progress Administration) Nursery Schools founded to assist children from depression-ridden homes as well as give employment to low income mothers hired to staff the nurseries.
  • It was named Perry Nursery School because it was housed in the Perry Elementary School.
  • As the Depression eased in the late 1930s, the three other WPA nurseries closed. Perry Nursery School survived and in 1942 became a Lanham Act Nursery. The Lanham Act, established by the US Congress, provided funding to establish child care centers so mothers of young children could work in the growing defense industry.As World War II ended and mothers employed in defense industries again became full-time homemakers, a group of parents, administrators and community activists recognized there was still a need for full-time child care for young children. Many women were the sole or major supporters of their families. In addition to low-income and divorced mothers, there were war widows and wives who supported the family while their husbands went to college under the GI Bill.
  • In 1948 Perry Nursery School was incorporated by the state of Michigan as a non-profit organization. In 1952 the Nursery was made a member agency of the United Way and it still is. In 1967 the Perry School Building closed and Perry Nursery moved into a house on Washtenaw Rd. near Hill St. In 1992 the Nursery School moved to its current location on Packard near Carpenter. On October 4th, 2014, Perry Nursery School became FOUNDATIONS PRESCHOOL OF WASHTENAW COUNTY.
  • Even though Foundations Preschool has changed names, locations, students, teachers and directors over the years, the goal of providing quality, affordable child care for low-income families remains constant.
Source: Verified school update

Frequently Asked Questions

What schools are Foundations Preschool Washtenaw often compared to?
Foundations Preschool Washtenawis often viewed alongside schools like Ann Arbor KinderCare by visitors of our site.
Does Foundations Preschool Washtenaw offer a summer program?
Yes, Foundations Preschool Washtenaw offers a summer program. Visit their summer school page for more information.
What is Foundations Preschool Washtenaw's ranking?
Foundations Preschool Washtenaw ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Michigan for: Highest percentage of students of color and Oldest founding date.
When is the application deadline for Foundations Preschool Washtenaw?
The application deadline for Foundations Preschool Washtenaw is rolling (applications are reviewed as they are received year-round).
What neighborhood is Foundations Preschool Washtenaw located?
Foundations Preschool Washtenaw is located in the Mitchell neighborhood of Ann Arbor, MI.

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Did You Know?

The average private school tuition in Ann Arbor, MI is $17,648 for elementary schools and $19,320 for high schools (read more about average private school tuition across the country).
The average acceptance rate in Ann Arbor, MI is 75% (read more about average acceptance rates across the country).

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