Preschool Scholarships & Sliding-Scale Tuition
By First Cubby Editorial · Updated 2026-07-09
Many preschools offer need-based scholarships, sliding-scale tuition, or discounts — you just have to ask. On top of school-level aid, nonprofits, foundations, faith communities, and employers sometimes help, and free public options and subsidies cover others entirely.
Where to look
- The school itself — ask admissions about need-based scholarships, sliding-scale tuition, sibling discounts, and payment plans. This is the single most productive question.
- Free public programs — transitional kindergarten, state pre-K, and Head Start. See is pre-K free? and Head Start.
- Childcare subsidies — vouchers for eligible working families. See childcare subsidies.
- Nonprofits & faith communities — local organizations, churches, temples, and community foundations sometimes fund tuition.
- Employers — some offer childcare stipends or backup-care benefits; ask HR.
- Co-op preschools — lower tuition in exchange for parent participation. See co-op preschools.
How to ask for aid
Contact the admissions or director’s office and ask plainly: “Do you offer need-based financial aid, scholarships, or a sliding scale?” Be ready to share income documentation, ask about deadlines (aid is often first-come), and request a payment plan if a lump sum is the barrier. It’s a routine question — schools would rather fill a seat with support than leave it empty.
Stack it with tax breaks
Whatever tuition you do pay may qualify for the Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit or a Dependent Care FSA. Put it all together in how to afford preschool.
Availability of aid varies by school, program, and location. This is general guidance — confirm current options directly with each school and program.
Frequently asked questions
Are there scholarships for preschool?
Yes. Many individual preschools offer need-based scholarships or sliding-scale tuition, and some nonprofits, foundations, faith communities, and employers help too. Free public options (state pre-K, Head Start) and subsidies are the other main paths.
How do I get help paying for preschool tuition?
Ask each school directly about need-based aid, sliding-scale tuition, and payment plans; check free public options and childcare subsidies; and use the tax credit or a Dependent Care FSA. Most families combine several.
What is sliding-scale tuition?
Sliding-scale tuition sets your fee based on your family’s income — lower-income families pay less. Many nonprofit, faith-based, and co-op preschools offer it; you usually provide income documentation.
Is there free preschool?
Yes, for many families — through transitional kindergarten, state universal pre-K, and Head Start (income-based). See our guide on whether pre-K is free.
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