At University School of Milwaukee, our Preschool is grounded in the belief that children are competent and capable. Our vision is to create a community where children approach each day with wonder, joy, and curiosity. Along with passionate teachers, students embark upon intentional explorations, balanced with purposeful play and meaningful academic skills.

Within a safe and nurturing environment, children build relationships and develop the social-emotional competencies of kindness, empathy, and respect. Through the strong collaboration of our families and teachers, children will grow to be successful learners, leaders, and citizens. There is nothing more rewarding than seeing a young child who loves to come to school each and every day.

For both prekindergarten and junior kindergarten, families are able to choose the option that works best for the start of their child's educational journey.

• Full-day program (8:15 a.m. to 3:05 p.m.)
• Half-day program (8:15 a.m. to 11:15 a.m.)

USM’s Preschool curriculum is guided by educators who value relationships with each child and the community. They have a passion for early childhood learning, and they take developmentally appropriate approaches to teaching the whole child. Our curriculum focuses on the critical areas of cognitive, creative, social, physical, and social-emotional development. Our teachers work to pique curiosity in everything their students do and, in doing so, develop a lifelong love of learning in the children they work with.

Meet Our Preschool and Lower School Faculty

Our Preschool classrooms are structured in a way that allows for small-group interactive play and exploration in centers that evolve and change throughout the school year. While our specialist teachers typically come to the classrooms for lessons, our Preschoolers often leave the classroom to explore other areas of the school, either for lessons or social activities. Engaging outdoor classroom and play areas also support innovative teaching methods for our faculty and provide many opportunities for children to explore and collaborate.

Although the learning spaces at USM are incredible, it is our Preschool teachers—who form such strong relationships with our youngest learners and their families—that make all the difference. A successful education for our Preschool students requires that faculty and administrators partner with families to ensure a positive experience for every child in a supportive, inclusive community. Teachers monitor each child’s growth and development through ongoing observation and individual assessments throughout the year. Ongoing communication between USM and home builds a strong foundation that supports every child’s daily school experience.

I love all of USM, but Preschool is really the shining star. I felt fortunate with all the teachers that my kids had here, but especially in the Preschool. My daughter's junior kindergarten teacher was the best ever!

With a low student-to-teacher ratio in every prekindergarten and junior kindergarten classroom, our Preschool teachers are able to truly get to know and love each and every child, which creates an incredible learning environment in which children can grow and gain confidence. Although they are still very early in their journey, the support that our youngest children receive, with an emphasis on development of the whole child, sets a strong foundation as they begin to embody our Portrait of a USM Graduate.