🎒 Preschool & Pre-K Guide for Chambersburg and Surrounding Areas

Helping local families find the right early-learning program for their little learners.

Choosing a preschool can feel surprisingly complicated—especially when this is your family’s first experience with early education. You may be comparing schedules, age cutoffs, tuition, teaching styles, potty-training requirements, transportation, and whether you need a few mornings or a full day.

This guide brings those details together for families across the Macaroni KID Chambersburg region, including communities in Franklin, Fulton, Bedford, and western Adams counties.

⭐ Bookmark this guide! Programs, openings, and enrollment information change throughout the year.

Please confirm details directly with each program. Schedules, tuition, availability, eligibility requirements, and enrollment procedures can change. Inclusion in this guide does not constitute an endorsement by Macaroni KID.

🔎 Find What Your Family Needs

🔎 Find What Your Family Needs

• 🌱 New to preschool? Start here
• 🏫 Preschool and Pre-K programs by area
• 💵 Free Pre-K Counts and Head Start programs
• ✅ Questions to ask before enrolling
• 👀 What to look for during a tour
• 🤝 Preschool Early Intervention
• 📝 Add or update a program

🌱 New to Preschool? Start Here

What Is the Difference Between Preschool, Pre-K, and Child Care?

🎨 Preschool is an early-learning program that commonly begins around age 3. Some preschools meet two or three mornings each week, while others offer a full school day.

🎒 Pre-K generally refers to the year immediately before kindergarten. These programs often place additional emphasis on kindergarten readiness, early literacy, math, classroom routines, and independence.

🧸 Child care provides care based on a family’s scheduling needs and may operate for longer hours or throughout the year. Many child-care centers also include preschool instruction.

If your primary need is care during working hours, visit our separate Child Care Guide:

🔗 Child Care Guide for Chambersburg & Surrounding Areas

📅 When Should We Start Looking?

Begin exploring programs during the fall or winter before the school year your child would attend.

• Many private preschools open enrollment between January and March.
• Popular classes may create tentative lists or waitlists earlier.
• Head Start and Pre-K Counts may accept applications throughout the year when spaces remain.
• Even if you are unsure whether you qualify for a free program, ask. Eligibility can consider more than income alone.

🎂 How Do Age Cutoffs Work?

A program’s age cutoff determines which class your child may enter.

For example, “must be 3 by September 1” means a child whose third birthday is September 2 would ordinarily need to wait until the following school year for that class.

Cutoff dates vary, so confirm the exact requirement before paying an application or registration fee.

🚽 Does My Child Have to Be Potty Trained?

Policies vary considerably.

Some programs require children to use the bathroom independently and do not permit diapers or Pull-Ups. Other programs help children who are still learning.

Ask what “fully potty trained” means. A program may expect a child to:

• Recognize when they need to go
• Ask to use the bathroom
• Manage their clothing
• Use the toilet and wipe independently
• Wash their hands
• Handle occasional accidents with limited assistance

A child who is not yet potty trained may still qualify for another preschool or child-care program.

🎨 Understanding Preschool Styles

Programs may combine more than one approach. This guide uses a style label only when the provider identifies its program that way.

🧩 Play-based: Children develop skills through purposeful play, exploration, movement, conversation, and interaction.

🌿 Nature-based: Outdoor exploration and the natural environment are significant parts of learning.

🔵 Montessori: Commonly emphasizes independence, hands-on materials, mixed-age classrooms, and child-directed work.

✝️ Faith-based: May incorporate Bible stories, prayer, chapel, religious instruction, or faith-based character development.

📚 Traditional: Generally uses a teacher-guided schedule with group lessons, structured activities, classroom routines, and kindergarten-readiness instruction.

🎨 Reggio-inspired: Often emphasizes child-led projects, creativity, relationships, documentation, and the classroom environment.

There is no single “best” model. Look for a program that fits your child’s personality, your family’s values, and your practical needs.

Growing Tree Preschool — Marion Mennonite Church

📍 Location: 4365 Molly Pitcher Highway, Chambersburg
✝️ Program style: Faith-based, developmentally appropriate, and hands-on
🎒 Ages: 3–5
🎂 Age cutoff: Must turn 3 or 4 by September 1 for the corresponding class
🚽 Potty training: Required; no Pull-Ups

⏰ Class options:

• Ages 3–4: Tuesday and Thursday, 9–11:30 a.m.
• Ages 4–5: Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, 9–11:30 a.m.

💵 2026–2027 tuition:

• Ages 3–4: $148 per month
• Ages 4–5: $220 per month

📝 Enrollment: Enrollment generally opens in February. Tentative lists and waitlists may be used as classes fill.
☎️ Contact: 717-809-2380 or ladams@growingtreepreschool.org
🔗 Locations and schedules

Growing Tree Preschool — King Street Church

📍 Location: 162 East King Street, Chambersburg
✝️ Program style: Faith-based, developmentally appropriate, and hands-on
🎒 Ages: 3–4 during the 2026–2027 school year
🎂 Age cutoff: Must turn 3 by September 1
🚽 Potty training: Required; no Pull-Ups
⏰ Schedule: Tuesday and Thursday, 9–11:30 a.m.
💵 2026–2027 tuition: $148 per month

📌 Please note: The 4- and 5-year-old class is not offered at King Street during 2026–2027 but is expected to return for 2027–2028.

📝 Enrollment: Enrollment generally opens in February. Tentative lists and waitlists may be used.
☎️ Contact: 717-809-2380 or ladams@growingtreepreschool.org
🔗 Application process

Growing Tree Preschool — Antrim Brethren in Christ Church

📍 Location: 24 Kauffman Road East, Chambersburg
✝️ Program style: Faith-based, developmentally appropriate, and hands-on
🎒 Ages: 3–5
🎂 Age cutoff: Must turn 3 or 4 by September 1 for the corresponding class
🚽 Potty training: Required; no Pull-Ups

⏰ Class options:

• Ages 3–4: Tuesday and Thursday, 9–11:30 a.m.
• Ages 4–5: Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, 9–11:30 a.m.
• Explorers ages 4–5: Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, 9 a.m.–2:45 p.m.

💵 2026–2027 tuition:

• Ages 3–4: $148 per month
• Ages 4–5 morning class: $220 per month
• Explorers: $375 per month

☀️ Extended day: The Explorers class offers a longer preschool day.
📝 Enrollment: Families may join a tentative list before enrollment opens in February.
☎️ Contact: 717-809-2380 or ladams@growingtreepreschool.org
🔗 Programs and tuition | Facebook

Shalom Christian Academy All-Day Pre-K

📍 Location: 126 Social Island Road, Chambersburg
✝️ Program style: Faith-based, traditional Pre-K with active and child-initiated learning
🎒 Ages: 4–5
🎂 Age cutoff: Must turn 4 by September 1
📅 Schedule: Five days per week following the Shalom school calendar
☀️ Extended care: Before- and after-care options are available

📚 Learning includes:

• Literacy and Handwriting Without Tears
• Math, science, social studies, and health
• Biblical instruction and Christian character development
• Art, music, physical education, and library
• Field trips and outdoor play
• Interaction with older Shalom students

💵 Tuition: Contact the school or review its current tuition and affordability information.
👀 Tours: Personal tours may be scheduled.
☎️ Contact: Jaime Keller at 717-375-2058 or jkeller@shalomca.com
🔗 All-Day Pre-K | Admissions and tours

Cumberland Valley Christian School Preschool

📍 Location: 600 Miller Street, Chambersburg
✝️ Program style: Faith-based and traditional
🎒 Programs: K3 and K4

🎂 Age cutoff:

• K3 students must be 3 by September 1.
• K4 students must be 4 by September 1.

📚 Learning includes:

• Early academic and kindergarten-readiness skills
• Biblical teaching
• Social development
• Chapel
• Field trips
• Structured classroom routines

🚽 Potty training: Children must independently manage all bathroom needs before entering K3 or K4.
🚌 Transportation: Bus transportation may be available for children who are 4 by the first day of school. Younger children must be dropped off and picked up.
💵 Tuition: Review the school’s current financial information or contact admissions.
☎️ Contact: 717-264-3266 or info@cvcsblazers.com
🔗 CVCS Preschool | Admissions

St. John’s United Church of Christ Nursery School

📍 Location: 1811 Lincoln Way East, Chambersburg
✝️ Program style: Faith-based nursery school

St. John’s operates a nursery school as part of its children and youth ministries. Contact the program for current ages, class schedules, tuition, openings, enrollment procedures, and potty-training requirements.

☎️ Contact: 717-263-8593
🔗 St. John’s United Church of Christ

Growing Tree Preschool — Hollowell Brethren in Christ Church

📍 Location: 14807 Hollowell Church Road, Waynesboro
✝️ Program style: Faith-based, developmentally appropriate, and hands-on
🎒 Ages: 3–5
🎂 Age cutoff: Must turn 3 or 4 by September 1 for the corresponding class
🚽 Potty training: Required; no Pull-Ups

⏰ Class options:

• Ages 3–4: Tuesday and Thursday, 9–11:30 a.m.
• Ages 4–5: Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, 9–11:30 a.m.

💵 2026–2027 tuition:

• Ages 3–4: $148 per month
• Ages 4–5: $220 per month

📝 Enrollment: Tentative lists, applications, and waitlists are used as classes fill.
☎️ Contact: 717-809-2380 or ladams@growingtreepreschool.org
🔗 Growing Tree locations

Growing Tree Preschool — Five Forks Brethren in Christ Church

📍 Location: 9244 Five Forks Road, Waynesboro
✝️ Program style: Faith-based, developmentally appropriate, and hands-on
🎒 Ages: 3–5
🎂 Age cutoff: Must turn 3 or 4 by September 1 for the corresponding class
🚽 Potty training: Required; no Pull-Ups

⏰ Class options:

• Ages 3–4: Tuesday and Thursday, 9–11:30 a.m.
• Ages 4–5: Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, 9–11:30 a.m.
• Explorers ages 4–5: Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, 9 a.m.–2:45 p.m.

💵 2026–2027 tuition:

• Ages 3–4: $148 per month
• Ages 4–5 morning class: $220 per month
• Explorers: $375 per month

☀️ Extended day: The Explorers class offers a longer preschool day.
📝 Enrollment: Families may inquire about tentative lists before February enrollment opens.
☎️ Contact: 717-809-2380 or ladams@growingtreepreschool.org
🔗 Programs and tuition

Growing Years Early Learning Center

📍 Location: 106 West Penn Street, Bedford
🎨 Program style: Full-day, child-centered early learning
🎒 Ages: Birth through age 5; preschool services for ages 3–4
⏰ Schedule: Full-day preschool
☀️ Extended care: Before- and after-school care is available for eligible families
🍎 Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and snacks are included
💵 Cost: Fees are based on income

🌟 Program features:

• Developmentally appropriate activities
• Outdoor and playground time
• Weekly learning themes
• Field trips
• Rest periods
• Staff trained in pediatric first aid
• Pennsylvania-required clearances

The Bedford center is certified by Pennsylvania’s Office of Child Development and Early Learning and holds at least a STAR 3 designation through Keystone STARS.

Financial assistance may be available through the Early Learning Resource Center and Bedford County United Way scholarships.

👀 Tours: Contact the center to arrange a visit.
☎️ Contact: 814-623-2096
🔗 Growing Years Early Learning Center

Bedford-Area Pre-K Counts

🎒 Ages: 3–4
💵 Cost: Free for eligible families
📚 Program focus: Kindergarten readiness, early literacy and math, following directions, paying attention, and social development
☀️ Extended care: Before- and after-school care may be available through Growing Years for an additional fee

📍 Local program contacts:

Growing Years Early Learning Center

106 West Penn Street, Bedford
☎️ 814-623-2096

Bedford Elementary School

3639 Business Route 220, Bedford
☎️ 814-624-3200

ALSM reports that its Pre-K Counts locations have at least a STAR 3 designation through Keystone STARS.

🔗 Bedford-area Pre-K Counts

Southern Fulton School District Pre-K Counts

📍 Location: Southern Fulton Elementary School, 3072 Great Cove Road, Warfordsburg
🎨 Program style: Public school-based Pre-K Counts
💵 Cost: Free for eligible families

Southern Fulton School District offers Pennsylvania Pre-K Counts and has published an application for the 2026–2027 school year.

Families should review the current application for age, residency, income, schedule, transportation, and enrollment requirements.

☎️ Contact: 717-294-2203
🔗 Southern Fulton Pre-K Counts enrollment

💵 Free Preschool and Family-Support Programs

First Start Partnerships for Children & Families

📍 Area served: Franklin County
🎒 Ages: Prenatal through age 5
🎨 Programs: Head Start, Early Head Start, PA Pre-K Counts, and family support
💵 Cost: Qualifying programs are free
⏰ Schedule: Part-day and full-day opportunities are available through multiple locations

Eligibility varies by program and may consider age, income, residency, and other family circumstances.

Applications may be accepted throughout the year when spaces remain, but families are encouraged to apply early.

For 2026–2027, First Start reports Pre-K Counts partnerships involving:

• Chambersburg Area School District
• Greencastle-Antrim School District
• Tuscarora School District

🔗 Learn more and apply
🔗 Franklin County Pre-K Counts partnerships

📌 Waynesboro families: Contact the Waynesboro Area School District or First Start for current Pre-K information. First Start reported that its previous Waynesboro district partnership ended beginning with the 2026–2027 school year.

Bedford/Fulton Head Start and Early Head Start

📍 Area served: Bedford and Fulton counties
🎒 Ages: Head Start serves eligible children ages 3–5. Early Head Start serves younger children and expectant families.
💵 Cost: Free for eligible families

🌟 Services may include:

• Preschool education
• Breakfast, lunch, and snacks
• Developmental screenings
• Medical, dental, hearing, and vision support
• Family services
• Parent education and engagement
• Support for children with disabilities
• Help transitioning to kindergarten

Programs may be delivered through classroom services, home visits, or a combination of both. Contact Head Start to identify the closest available program for your family.

📍 Office: 231 South Juliana Street, Bedford
⏰ Office hours: Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
☎️ Contact: 814-624-3200
🔗 Bedford/Fulton Head Start

Pennsylvania Pre-K Counts

🎒 Ages: Eligible children ages 3–4 who have not yet entered kindergarten
💵 Cost: Free for eligible families

Eligibility may consider household income and other factors that could affect school readiness. Families with income up to 300% of the federal poverty level may qualify, although each provider determines eligibility and enrollment.

🔗 Learn about Pennsylvania Pre-K Counts

🔎 Help Finding or Paying for a Program

Pennsylvania’s Early Learning Resource Centers can help families:

• Locate certified preschool and child-care programs
• Review Keystone STARS quality designations
• Apply for Child Care Works financial assistance
• Understand subsidy requirements
• Find the appropriate regional office

🔗 Find your Early Learning Resource Center
☎️ Statewide family helpline: 1-877-4-PA-KIDS

Families can also review certified providers and available inspection information through Pennsylvania’s provider search:

🔗 Pennsylvania Child Care and Early Learning Provider Search

Some private academic and church-based preschool programs operate under different oversight structures and may not appear in the child-care provider search.

✅ Questions to Ask Before Enrolling

📅 Schedule and Availability

• Is there currently an opening, tentative list, or waitlist?
• What days and times does the class meet?
• Is the program part-day, school-day, or full-day?
• Does it operate during the school year or year-round?
• What happens during weather closures or delayed openings?
• Is summer programming available?
• Is before- or after-school care available?

🎂 Age and Readiness

• What is the birthday cutoff?
• Must my child be fully potty trained?
• What does the program consider “fully potty trained”?
• Does my child need to recognize letters, numbers, or their name?
• How do teachers help children adjust to separation?
• What happens if my child needs another year before kindergarten?

💵 Tuition and Fees

• What is the tuition?
• Is there an application, registration, or supply fee?
• Is a deposit required?
• Are there additional activity or field-trip charges?
• Is fundraising required?
• Are sibling discounts or scholarships available?
• Is tuition still due during holidays or closures?
• What is the withdrawal and refund policy?
• Are late-pickup fees charged?

🍎 The Preschool Day

• How much of the day is play-based?
• How much time do children spend outside?
• Are snacks or lunch provided?
• How are allergies and dietary restrictions handled?
• Is there a nap or rest period?
• Are art, music, movement, and field trips included?
• How does the program prepare children for kindergarten?
• If it is faith-based, what religious instruction is included?

🔒 Teachers, Safety, and Communication

• What is the student-to-teacher ratio?
• What qualifications and training do teachers have?
• How long have the teachers worked with the program?
• What background clearances are required?
• How are children checked in and released?
• What are the illness and medication policies?
• How are emergencies handled?
• How does the program communicate with families?
• How do teachers handle challenging behavior?
• May families visit or volunteer?

🤝 Additional Support

• Can the program implement an Early Intervention plan or IEP?
• May therapists provide services at the preschool?
• How are allergies and medications handled?
• What sensory, communication, behavioral, or toileting supports are available?
• Is the building and playground accessible?

👀 What to Look for During a Tour

During your visit, notice:

• Whether teachers speak warmly and respectfully to children
• Whether children appear comfortable and engaged
• How teachers respond when a child becomes upset
• Whether the classroom feels organized and safe
• Whether children can access age-appropriate materials
• Whether the schedule includes active and quiet learning
• How much time children spend playing and exploring
• Whether children have regular outdoor time
• How bathrooms and accidents are handled
• How children are checked in and released
• Whether the program’s expectations fit your child

Ask to see the classroom, bathrooms, outdoor space, arrival area, and a sample daily schedule.

Most importantly, consider whether you can picture your child feeling safe, known, and excited to return.

📝 What Will We Need to Enroll?

Programs may request:

• Proof of age
• Emergency contacts
• Health and immunization records
• Allergy or medication information
• Authorized pickup information
• Custody documents when applicable
• Completed registration forms
• Application or registration fees
• Proof of residency
• Income or eligibility documents for free programs

Ask which items are needed when you apply and which are not required until your child is accepted.

🤝 Preschool Early Intervention

If you have concerns about your 3- to 5-year-old’s communication, movement, learning, behavior, hearing, vision, or social development, you may request a free preschool Early Intervention evaluation.

Your child does not have to be enrolled in preschool first.

Lincoln Intermediate Unit 12 coordinates preschool Early Intervention services across the region.

🔗 Lincoln IU 12 Preschool Early Intervention

For a child younger than 3, contact your county’s infant and toddler Early Intervention program.

📣 Add or Update a Preschool Listing

Do you operate a preschool or Pre-K program within the official Macaroni KID Chambersburg region?

We welcome verified program information from communities within our territory, including Chambersburg, Greencastle, Waynesboro, Mercersburg, Mont Alto, Fayetteville, Fort Loudon, St. Thomas, McConnellsburg, Needmore, Warfordsburg, Harrisonville, Hustontown, Bedford, Everett, Breezewood, Fairfield, Blue Ridge Summit, Rouzerville, Scotland, South Mountain, Zullinger, Orrtanna, Cashtown, and surrounding covered ZIP codes.

📝 Submit or update a program: Email juliei@macaronikid.com

Basic directory inclusion is editorial and does not require advertising. Featured listings and guide sponsorship opportunities may also be available.

Information researched and reviewed in September 2026. Program schedules, tuition, eligibility, and availability may change. Please confirm current information directly with each provider.

This guide was created with the assistance of AI tools and reviewed and edited by a human. We strive to provide accurate, helpful, and up-to-date information for local families.