Cambridge Preschool Program
Universal Pre-K

Cambridge Preschool of the Arts is proud to partner with Cambridge Preschool Program to bring Universal Pre-K to five of our preschool locations.

Qualifications

Qualifications for enrolling in Pre-K:

Child must be 4 years old by August 31st
You need to have a Cambridge address

Qualifications for enrolling in Preschool:

Child must be 3 years old by August 31st
You need to have a Cambridge address
You need to qualify for free preschool by CPP standards
- Family is eligible for free or reduced lunch (for Cambridge Public Schools)
- Family income is at or below 65% of area median income (city and community programs)
- Student has identified special needs (Individualized Education Plan or 504 plan)
- Family is currently experiencing homelessness
- Child is in foster care

Enrollment Process

1. Submit an application through the Cambridge Preschool Program website as soon as enrollment opens. The CPP application is open October 1, 2024 through October 31, 2024. Note that if your child is a current POTA student, you are guaranteed a spot.

3. Enrollment through CPP is for our full day offering, for the academic year only. If you would like to also apply for our extended day and/or summer programming, that will be done directly with POTA, through our application.

Additional Fees

CPP Pre-K hours are from 8:30 AM to 3:30 PM. Extended hours are available for additional cost.

8:00 AM Early Drop off: $1,800 for the Academic Year

3:30-5:30 PM Extended Day: $3,150 for the Academic Year

5:30-6:00 PM Late Pickup: $1,800 for the Academic Year

Enrollment for Summer of the Arts 2026:

8:30 AM - 3:30 PM: $4,370

8:30 AM - 5:00 PM: $5,000

8:00 AM Early Drop-off - $360

Enrollment for extended hours is through the POTA office.

Notes

Once our CPP spots are filled with current POTA students, the city of Cambridge will fill the remaining spots with new families.
POTA will continue to educate with our POTA, Reggio Emilia Jewish curriculum (we will maintain our pedagogy and philosophy; no adjustments will be made).
Families who do NOT qualify for Universal Pre-K through Cambridge can still enroll in Pre-K through the regular POTA admissions system.
Click here for the CPP family guide.

F.A.Q

Can my child attend a different Pre-K in Cambridge and enroll at POTA for extended day?

No, as per POTA policy, extended day will continue to only be available to children in our full day program. If you are looking for an afterschool program only, POTA partners with JUDA Enrichment classes, which offers a weekly program. Click here to learn more.

Will my child lose their sibling priority if they choose Pre-K at POTA instead of their elementary school of choice?

All families within the CPP program who chose to attend CPS after their CPP year must enter the Kindergarten lottery with sibling points added to their choice selection.

Will we be able to transfer to a different POTA location than we are currently enrolled in?