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Your Guide to Applying for Preschool: Important Dates and Open Houses

Questions to Ask When Choosing the Right Preschool Your Child

By Irene Zachman, Woodbury/Oakdale/Cottage Grove/Stillwater Macaroni KID Publisher January 11, 2026

A new year often brings big decisions for families, and if you have a little one heading to preschool in fall 2026, now is the time to start looking. Preschool registration is beginning now across Woodbury, Oakdale, Cottage Grove, and Stillwater, and many programs fill quickly once enrollment opens. Attending open houses and information sessions is one of the best ways to tour classrooms, meet teachers, and get a feel for which preschool might be the right fit for your child.

To make planning easier, I've gathered local preschool open houses, registration dates, and information sessions below, all organized by date so you can plan ahead with confidence.

Preschool Open Houses & Registration Events

January 12–February 6, 2026
The Children’s Farm Preschool – Open Registration Online
A nature-based preschool offering hands-on learning, outdoor exploration, and animal encounters for children ages 3–5.

January 12, 2026
SoWashCo Preschool Information Session (Preregistration Required)
District Program Center, Cottage Grove • 6:00–7:00 PM
An overview of preschool options available through South Washington County Schools, including program details and enrollment timelines.

January 13, 2026
Woodbury Lutheran Preschool – Open House
Woodbury • 9:30–11:00 AM & 4:00–5:30 PM
A faith-based preschool focused on early learning, social-emotional development, and kindergarten readiness for ages 3–5.

January 14, 2026
Stillwater School District Preschool – Open House
Stillwater • 5:30–6:30 PM
Families can explore public preschool programs offered across multiple Stillwater Area School District locations.

January 15, 2026
Woodbury Lutheran Preschool – Try Preschool (Registration Required)
Woodbury • 4:00–5:00 PM
A hands-on experience allowing children to explore classroom activities while parents learn more about the program.

Ready, Set, Grow Preschool – Open House
King of Kings, Woodbury • 4:30–6:00 PM
A Montessori-inspired preschool emphasizing independence, creativity, and individualized learning.

January 16, 2026
Ready, Set, Grow Preschool – Open House
King of Kings, Woodbury • 10:00 AM–12:00 PM
A Montessori-inspired preschool emphasizing independence, creativity, and individualized learning.

Woodbury Lutheran Preschool – Try Preschool (Registration Required)
Woodbury • 10:00–11:15 AM 
A hands-on experience allowing children to explore classroom activities while parents learn more about the program.

January 17, 2026
Valley Preschool – Open House & Registration
Stillwater • 10:00 - 11:00 AM
A long-standing Stillwater preschool offering a nurturing, close-knit environment with a whole-child approach to early learning.

January 20, 2026
Sunny Hill Preschool – Open House
Stillwater • 3:30–5:30 PM
A play-based preschool with a nurturing environment and enrichment opportunities.

Stillwater School District Preschool – Open House (Virtual)
Virtual • 7:00–8:00 PM
An online option for families who prefer to learn about district preschool programs from home. RSVP required.

January 22, 2026
Woodbury Preschool at The Grove – Open House
Woodbury • 4:30–6:00 PM
A play-based preschool emphasizing creativity, early academics, and social-emotional growth.

Salem Lutheran Woodbury Preschool – Open House
Woodbury • 5:30–7:00 PM
A small, faith-based preschool nurturing both academic and spiritual development.

SoWashCo Preschool Information Session (Preregistration Required)
Liberty Ridge 2, Woodbury • 6:00 PM
A district-led session sharing preschool enrollment information for Woodbury families.

January 23, 2026
Transfiguration Catholic Preschool – Open House
Oakdale • 9:00–10:30 AM
A Catholic preschool offering structured learning alongside faith-based values.

Woodbury Lutheran Preschool – Try Preschool (Registration Required)
Woodbury • 10:00–11:15 AM
A hands-on experience allowing children to explore classroom activities while parents learn more about the program.

January 26, 2026
New Life Academy – Preview Registration (Early Ed–Kindergarten)
Woodbury • 8:30–9:30 AM
A private Christian academy offering early childhood education through high school.

Kiddie Academy (NEW) Open House - Woodbury
Woodbury • 4:00–6:00 PM
Educational child-care center offering nurturing, curriculum-based learning for infants through school-age children.

January 27, 2026
Woodbury Lutheran Preschool – Try Preschool (Registration Required)
Woodbury • 10:00–11:15 AM
A hands-on experience allowing children to explore classroom activities while parents learn more about the program.

SoWashCo Preschool Information Session (Preregistration Required)
District Program Center, Cottage Grove • 11:00 AM–12:00 PM
An informational session for families considering district preschool programs.

New Life Academy – Preview Night (Early Ed–5th Grade)
Woodbury • 5:30–6:30 PM
Evening preview covering curriculum, academics, and enrollment for prospective families.

February 2, 2026
SoWashCo Preschool Information Session (Preregistration Required)
Liberty Ridge 2, Woodbury • 2:00–3:00 PM
An informational session for families considering district preschool programs.

Are you a preschool hosting an open house or registration event that isn’t listed here? Or do you know of a local preschool I may have missed? I’d love to help spread the word—submit it on our Events page


Child raising hand in a circle with other kids and teacherCredit: Robert Kneschke/Canva

Here is a list of important questions to consider when evaluating preschools:

  • What are the Teacher-to-Child Rations?
  • What is the Daily Schedule like?
  • What Safety Measures are in Place?
  • Are Meals and/or Snacks included?
  • How much time do the children spend outdoors?
  • Are there any additional fees besides tuition?
  • What is the potty training policy? Do they accept children if they're not potty trained? Do they offer assistance during potty time?
  • Is there nap time? Can you bring your own stuffy and/or blanket?
  • If it's through a church, you may want to find out how much religion is included.
  • Is there a before and/or after-school program?
  • How do you handle behavioral problems such as biting or hitting?
  • How do you comfort the child if they are upset or going through separation anxiety?

It's perfectly natural to feel a little overwhelmed when trying to choose the right preschool for your child.  Trust your instincts, take your time, and know that you're making a wonderful choice for their future. You've got this!


I’m a local mom and the publisher of Macaroni KID Woodbury–Oakdale–Cottage Grove–Stillwater, your go-to guide for family fun in the South East Metro! Each week, I curate a FREE weekly e-newsletter, update our family-friendly website, and share the latest local events, kid-friendly activities, and small business spotlights on social media to help families like yours stay in the know.  Whether you live here, work nearby, or are just visiting, I’m here to make it easy for you to find fun things to do with your kids in Woodbury, Oakdale, Cottage Grove, Stillwater, and beyond. Join our community of moms, dads, grandparents, and caregivers—SUBSCRIBE TODAY and never miss out on local family fun!

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