What is SPP?
Seattle Preschool Program (SPP) is high-quality, evidence-based preschool programming offered by the Seattle Department of Education and Early Learning (DEEL) in partnership with a network of preschool providers throughout the city, including both community-based providers and Seattle Public Schools. Since 2015, SPP has helped prepare more than 6,300 children for kindergarten by developing pre-academic skills and supporting social-emotional growth. SPP is funded by the voter-approved Families, Education, Preschool and Promise (FEPP) Levy and aims to eliminate opportunity gaps in kindergarten readiness and provide access to high-quality early learning for all Seattle three- and four-year-olds.
Kindergarten Readiness
Research shows that children who participate in high-quality early learning environments are more likely to succeed in kindergarten and throughout their educational journey. Seattle Preschool Program classrooms use evidence-based curriculum and promote culturally responsive, engaging, and nurturing adult-child interactions to create quality learning environments. View Kindergarten Readiness results from the 2023-2024 school year here.
Affordable Preschool for All
High-quality early learning should be affordable for all. SPP tuition is calculated on a sliding scale based on family size and household income, with most Seattle families qualifying for free preschool tuition. Learn more about SPP tuition on our parent portal and calculate your family’s expected tuition rate.
Dual Language Programming and Inclusive Classrooms
While SPP classrooms are inclusive for all children, specialized programs for children with disabilities (SPP Plus) are available through the Seattle School District, the Hearing Speech and Deafness Center, and the Experimental Education Unit at the University of Washington. Dual-language programs that provide instruction in English and another language are also available at select sites, and include programs in American Sign Language, Spanish, Chinese-Mandarin, Somali, Arabic and Vietnamese.For more information on SPP providers and programs, visit our parent portal.
Seattle’s Award-Winning Pre-K
Seattle has received national attention for its high-quality universal preschool program. The Seattle Preschool Program has been recognized for seven consecutive years by CityHealth and the National Institute for Early Education Research (NIEER) for its high quality, accessible Pre-K programming. SPP’s learning environments improve school readiness for children and contribute to long-term benefits such as higher high-school graduation rates, higher lifetime earnings, and better health outcomes. For more information on SPP’s awards, visit cityhealth.org.
