Free New Mexico PreK at La Petite Academy

New Mexico PreK (NM PreK) is a free, voluntary, school-year Pre-Kindergarten program for children ages 3 and 4.

At participating La Petite Academy schools, children learn through play-based experiences that support physical, cognitive, language, and social-emotional development while helping them build skills and confidence for kindergarten.

Program schedules, application steps, selection criteria, and availability vary by provider and location. Use the school finder below, then contact your preferred school for current enrollment details.

Help your child build foundational skills through engaging, developmentally appropriate learning. At participating La Petite Academy schools, NM PreK combines purposeful play with a supportive classroom environment.

New Mexico PreK: Free Pre-Kindergarten for Ages 3 and 4

Ask your local school about:

Dedicated PreK and Early PreK classrooms at select schools
Play-based learning that supports physical, cognitive, language, and social-emotional development
Learning portfolios and family-teacher conferences that help families follow progress
Secure live streaming video and real-time classroom updates through the SproutAbout^_® family app
Breakfast and lunch, plus snacks in full-day programs
Optional before- and after-care, school-break care, and summer programs; availability, fees, and Child Care Assistance coverage may vary

Find a New Mexico PreK School Near You

New Mexico PreK FAQs

We know there’s a lot to consider when deciding to enroll your child in PreK. Here are answers to some of our most asked questions. Need more information? Visit newmexicoprek.org.

What is New Mexico PreK?

New Mexico PreK, also called NM PreK, is a voluntary, free Pre-Kindergarten program offered during the school year in community-based and school-based settings. The program provides developmentally appropriate, play-based early learning for children ages 3 and 4.

Is New Mexico PreK free?

Yes. NM PreK is free during the school year. Optional care outside the PreK program day, including before- and after-care or care during school breaks and summer, is separate from NM PreK. Fees and Child Care Assistance coverage may vary. Ask your local school which options are available.

Who is eligible for New Mexico PreK?

NM PreK includes Early PreK for 3-year-olds, PreK for 4-year-olds, and mixed-age programs. Availability and placement depend on participating providers in your area. Each provider sets its own application process, registration deadlines, and selection criteria, which may include waitlists or lotteries. Contact your preferred participating La Petite Academy school for current details.

How do I apply for New Mexico PreK at La Petite Academy?

Start by using the school finder above to identify a participating La Petite Academy location. Contact the school or schedule a tour so the director can explain current availability, application steps, registration deadlines, and required enrollment documents. Because each NM PreK provider sets its own process, steps may vary by location. Families can also use the state’s Child Care Finder and filter for "NM PreK".

Is NM PreK the same as New Mexico Universal Child Care?

No. They are separate state programs. NM PreK is a free, voluntary, school-year Pre-Kindergarten program for children ages 3 and 4. Universal Child Care is provided through New Mexico’s Child Care Assistance program and can cover child care with an ECECD-approved participating provider. Families must apply through ECECD and confirm participation with their preferred school. Learn more on the official Universal Child Care page.

Does La Petite Academy offer New Mexico PreK?

Yes. Participating La Petite Academy schools in New Mexico offer NM PreK. Use the school finder above and contact your preferred school to confirm program availability, ages served, and enrollment timelines. Participation and available spaces may vary by location and school year.

What are the New Mexico PreK program hours?

Ages: 6 Weeks - 12 Years

Open: M-F, 7:00 AM - 5:00 PM

877.861.5078 877.861.5078

Schedule a Tour

Please note: We cannot guarantee New Mexico PreK Program eligibility. We cannot guarantee spaces are available. We cannot guarantee kindergarten readiness outcomes. Cannot guarantee that every school will run a New Mexico PreK program. There is a fee for before and after care.

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