Child care & preschools
Is 4K free in the Madison school district, and how do I sign my child up?
A common question, answered by the MadisonWI.com editors · November 9, 2026
1 answer
From MadisonWI.com
Yes. The Madison Metropolitan School District says its 4K is free for eligible four-year-olds during the designated instructional hours. Your child must be 4 by September 1. Families may pay for care outside those hours. Part-day 4K lets you choose a morning or afternoon session, and full-day 4K is offered at a limited number of sites. MMSD runs 4K enrollment online; check the district's Four-Year-Old Kindergarten (4K) Program page for the current year's enrollment information, dates and site list. A separate program, Get Kids Ready (GKR), began in the 2026–27 school year as a supplemental school-readiness program that's free for eligible four-year-olds during program hours. It doesn't replace 4K, and families can take part in both in the same year. This covers MMSD only; if you live in another school district, check with that district. Source: Madison Metropolitan School District, Understanding the Difference Between MMSD 4K and Get Kids Ready (GKR) (checked November 2026).
Written by the MadisonWI.com editors · November 9, 2026