If you're moving to Highland Park or University Park with a child under five, start your preschool search now, because most Park Cities programs tour and enroll in the fall and winter for the following school year. Families here choose between Highland Park ISD's own preschool program and a close-knit group of church-based day schools and independent programs, most within a few minutes of home. The Agency Dallas put together this guide for new neighbors finding their way.
How does preschool work in the Park Cities?
Most young families here follow a familiar path:
- Toddler years (roughly 12 months to 2): a few mornings a week at a church day school or a Montessori program.
- Ages 3 and 4: either HPISD's full-day preschool or a private day school, often the same one the family started in.
- Kindergarten: most families enter HPISD at one of its five elementary schools, which all serve Pre-K through 4th grade. Others stay with a private school that continues past kindergarten.
Because many families stay in the same program for several years, spaces for younger ages can fill early. Starting your search a year ahead is normal here, not overeager.
What does Highland Park ISD offer for preschool?
HPISD runs its own full-day preschool for children who are 3 or 4 by September 1. It's open to HPISD residents and children of full-time HPISD staff. Here's how it works, per the district:
- Hours: 7:55 a.m. to 3:15 p.m.
- Class size: capped at 22 students, with one certified teacher and at least two instructional assistants.
- Three paths in: Early Childhood Special Education (no cost for eligible students), state Pre-K eligibility (free or reduced tuition for families who meet state criteria), and a tuition-based option for other HPISD residents.
- Tuition: $11,000 for 2026-27 for tuition-based families.
- Timing: applications for 2027-28 are expected to open December 1 (the district lists the date as tentative), and a spot isn't secured until the contract and deposit are in.
If you're under contract on a Park Cities home, keep your closing documents handy. Residency is the first thing the district will ask about.
Which private and church preschools serve the Park Cities?
These programs sit in or right beside the Park Cities. Ages and details come from each school's own website as of October 2026. Always confirm directly, since schedules and openings change each year. If you're also weighing schools beyond the early years, see our Dallas private schools guide.
Program | Address | Ages served | Good to know |
|---|---|---|---|
PCBC Day School (Park Cities Baptist Church) | 3933 Northwest Hwy., 75225 | 4 months through Pre-K | Two teachers per class. Preview days for 2027-28 on Oct. 16 and Oct. 23. |
Saint Michael Episcopal School | 4344 Colgate Ave., 75225 | 12 months through kindergarten | Half-day and full-day PreK3 options. Accredited by the Southwestern Association of Episcopal Schools. |
Saint Christopher's Montessori School | 7900 Lovers Ln., 75225 | 3 months to 6 years | Montessori program, a mission of Saint Christopher's Episcopal Church. Very limited openings; tour and join the waitlist. |
The Weekday School at UPUMC | 4024 Caruth Blvd., 75225 | Preschool through kindergarten | Follows the HPISD calendar. |
Highland Park Presbyterian Day School | 3821 University Blvd., 75205 | Early childhood | Christian day school that meets on the Highland Park Presbyterian campus. Call for ages and openings. |
HPUMC Day School (Highland Park United Methodist) | 3300 Mockingbird Ln., 75205 | Early childhood | Christian early childhood program; call 214-521-3111 for ages and openings. |
Christ the King Catholic School | 4100 Colgate Ave., 75225 | Pre-K through 8th grade | Pre-K starts at age 4. A Catholic option that continues well past preschool. |
Primrose School of Park Cities | 4011 Inwood Rd., 75209 | Early childhood | Just west of the Park Cities; an independent program. Call for ages and openings. |
How do you choose the right one?
A few questions help narrow it quickly:
- How many days do you need? Some programs run mornings only, a few days a week. Others, including HPISD, run full days.
- Where will your child go for kindergarten? If you plan on HPISD, a program that follows the HPISD calendar can make the transition smoother. If you're considering a private school, ask where its graduates typically go.
- What's the commute from your street? Park Cities distances are short, but drop-off lines are real. Practice the morning drive.
- Does faith matter to your family? Many programs here are church ministries. Ask what that looks like day to day.
How do new families meet other parents?
The Park Cities is a place where friendships often start on the playground. A few places to begin:
- Armstrong-Bradfield Preschool Association, for families with children kindergarten-age or younger zoned for Armstrong or Bradfield Elementary, with playgroups and social events.
- Neighborhood parks such as Flippen Park, Caruth Park, Coffee Park, and Lakeside Park.
- Sunday programs at local churches, many of which begin classes for children around age 3.
Frequently asked questions
Does Highland Park ISD have free preschool?
For some families, yes. HPISD offers its preschool at no cost to students eligible for Early Childhood Special Education, and free or reduced tuition to children who meet state Pre-K criteria. Other HPISD residents can enroll through a tuition-based option, which is $11,000 for the 2026-27 school year. Children must be 3 or 4 by September 1.
When should we apply for Park Cities preschools?
Earlier than most newcomers expect. HPISD expects to open preschool applications for 2027-28 on December 1, and private programs such as PCBC Day School hold preview days in October for the following school year. Some programs, including Saint Christopher's Montessori, keep waitlists. If you're moving in the next year, start touring this fall.
Do we need to live in HPISD for HPISD preschool?
Yes. HPISD preschool is open to residents of the district and children of full-time HPISD staff. The district covers Highland Park, University Park, and a small part of Dallas, so confirm that a specific address is zoned to HPISD before you buy. The Agency Dallas can help you confirm zoning before you make an offer.
Which elementary schools serve the Park Cities?
HPISD has five elementary schools: Armstrong, Boone, Bradfield, Hyer, and University Park. Each serves Pre-K through 4th grade. Students then move to McCulloch Intermediate for grades 5 and 6, Highland Park Middle School for grades 7 and 8, and Highland Park High School.
Find the right street, then the right school
In the Park Cities, the home you choose decides your elementary school, your walk to the park, and often your child's first friends. We live here, and we'll help you find the right block for your family and the timeline that fits your move.
