Thank You for Your Interest in Gretna’s Special Education Preschool Program!

What is Gretna’s Special Education Preschool?

Gretna Public Schools offers a Special Education Preschool Program with:

• Eight Three-Year-Old classrooms (must be 3 on or before July 31, 2025).

• Twelve Four-Year-Old classrooms (must be 4 on or before July 31, 2025).

These half-day classrooms support students with special needs in a general education setting, with approximately 50% special education students and 50% neighborhood peers who do not receive special education services.

What is the Preschool Screening?

Families interested in enrolling their child as a neighborhood model must attend a Preschool Screening before entering the Preschool Lottery in March 2025.

Screening Dates:

• Friday, January 24 | 8:30 AM – 12:30 PM

• Saturday, January 25 | 8:30 AM – 12:30 PM

• Tuesday, January 28 | 3:30 PM – 7:30 PM

• Friday, May 23 l 8:30 AM - 12:30 PM

What Happens During the Screening?

Each child will participate in a screening process using the Ages & Stages Questionnaire, which assesses five developmental areas:

• Adaptive (self-care skills like eating, toileting, and dressing)

• Cognitive (basic concepts and pre-academic skills)

• Communication (expressive and receptive language)

• Physical (large and fine motor skills)

• Social-Emotional (managing feelings and social interactions)

Time Commitment: The screening takes about 20 minutes, followed by a 20-minute small-group activity with preschool teachers. Parents will attend an informational session during this time.

📌 Note: If a child demonstrates challenges during screening, they may be referred for further evaluation to determine eligibility for special education services instead of the general lottery.

What is the Preschool Lottery?

All children who complete a preschool screening are eligible for the Preschool Lottery on Friday, March 14, 2025. A $40 deposit is required by March 7, 2025 to secure participation in the drawing.

What If We Can't Attend the January Screening?

A make-up screening and lottery will be available in May 2025 for families who cannot attend in January or move into the district later. However, space will be limited as the Preschool Lottery determines the majority of class lists in March.

Preschool Schedule

Gretna’s preschool operates Monday – Thursday for 3.25 hours per session, following the district calendar.

2025-2026 School Year Schedule:

• Aspen Creek, Gretna Elementary, Harvest Hills, Thomas Elementary & Palisades Elementary:

  • AM Session: 7:45 AM – 11:00 AM

  • PM Session: 11:40 AM – 2:55 PM

• Cedar Hollow, Falling Waters & Whitetail Creek:

  • AM Session: 8:00 AM – 11:15 AM

  • PM Session: 11:55 AM – 3:10 PM

Which Schools Offer Preschool?

For the 2025-2026 school year, the following schools are planned to host preschool classrooms (subject to change based on enrollment):

• Aspen Creek Elementary – AM & PM 3’s | AM & PM 4’s

• Cedar Hollow Elementary – AM & PM 3’s

• Falling Waters Elementary – AM 3’s | PM 4’s

• Gretna Elementary – AM & PM 4’s

• Harvest Hills Elementary – AM & PM 3’s | AM & PM 4’s

• Palisades Elementary – AM & PM 4’s

• Thomas Elementary – AM & PM 4’s

• Whitetail Creek Elementary – AM 3’s | PM 4’s

Is Preschool Free?

No, tuition is $175 per month to help cover snacks and materials. Payments are made September – May (August is free). Payments can be made by check or online.

Is Transportation Provided?

No, families are responsible for transportation to and from preschool.

Additional Questions?

We hope this answers your questions about the Gretna Public Schools Preschool Program! If you need further assistance, please contact us at 402-332-5814.