Our mission is to educate all learners to reach their full potential as contributing and productive members of our ever-changing global community.

Circle of Friends Preschool

CIRCLE OF FRIENDS PRESCHOOL

A 4-STAR PARENT AWARE RATED PROGRAM

Welcome! Circle of Friends Preschool was established in 1995 and is a part of Prior Lake-Savage Area Schools. At Circle of Friends Preschool, we serve all learners in an inclusive, caring environment. Using a child-centered approach, teachers support all learners to feel safe, cared for, and encouraged. We offer both nature-based and more traditional classroom settings, with an E-STEM focus in all settings. View the tabs below to learn more about the programs we offer.

Enrollment Information

Thank you for your interest in Circle of Friends Preschool!

INSTRUCTIONS FOR ONLINE REGISTRATION

2018-2019 School year

Below is a list of classes that currently have space available for the 2018-2019 school year.  Families can register for classes that are full and will be placed on a waiting list for future openings. 

2018-2019 half-day classes at Edgewood School           

Age 3 (must be three by September 1, 2018)

  • All 3-year-old classes are full at this time

Mixed Age 3s & 4s (older 3s & younger 4s)

  • Mon/Wed Afternoon Nature                                                          

Age 4 (must be four by September 1, 2018)

  • Tue/Thu Morning Traditional
  • Tue/Thu Morning Nature
  • Tue/Thu Afternoon Traditional
  • Mon-Thu Afternoon Nature
  • Mon-Fri Afternoon Traditional 

2018-2019 full-day classes at Grainwood Elementary

Scholarships are no longer available for full-day programming.

Age 4 (must be four by September 1, 2018

  • Mon/Wed/Fri  Full-Day Traditional
  • Mon-Fri Full-Day Traditional 


Enrollment for 2019-2020

Registration for the 2019-2020 school year will begin on February 1, 2019.  If you would like to receive registration information, call our preschool office at 952-226-0956 in December to ensure you are on our mailing list.  View the "Visits & Tours" tab below to see upcoming preschool visitation opportunities.

Program Options

Prior Lake-Savage Area Schools is an E-STEM District
E-STEM stands for Environmental Education, Science, Technology, Engineering and Math. It’s an integrated approach to teaching and learning. It is exploration, discovery, risk-taking, wondering, and experimenting. It is a hands-on approach to learning, encompassing not only the letters above, but also literacy, art, creativity, music and social-emotional learning.

We utilize both indoor and outdoor settings to learn about the world around us in real, meaningful ways. Whether you choose a nature-based or more traditional classroom setting, this educational philosophy is integrated throughout all of our programming.

TRADITIONAL CLASSES

Students in traditional preschool classes spend the majority of each day in a classroom setting. Similar to Nature Based classes, traditional classes also follow the philosophy of E-STEM teaching and learning and will spend time learning outside each day. We offer half-day and full-day options.

NATURE-BASED CLASSES

Students in nature-based preschool classes are in an outdoor immersive setting and will be outside every day unless the weather is dangerous. Nature-based classes achieve the same outcomes as a traditional Circle of Friends preschool class, only natural materials are the learning tool with the Great Outdoors for a classroom. Students spend minimal time inside each day and do have a designated indoor classroom should the weather be unsuitable for outdoor learning. We offer half-day and full-day options.

Class Schedule Options

Class Schedule Options for the 2018-2019 school year

2018-2019 Class Option List

Preschool Locations

The preschool locations are reflective of the 2017-18 school year: Edgewood School, Glendale, Grainwood and Jeffers Pond Elementary Schools. While it is likely classes will remain the same for the 2018-19 school year, there is potential that sections may need to be relocated after registration and preschool student placement due to K-5 enrollment numbers. In the event that this occurs, the new location will offer equitable resources and will remain within ISD 719 school boundaries. If changes occur and the new location is no longer feasible for your family, families will be afforded the opportunity to withdraw registration and receive a refunded registration fee.

Tuition

2018-2019 Tuition Rates

  • Registration Fee: $75 (non-refundable)

Half-Day Preschool Rates:

  • Two-Day Classes: $135/month
  • Three-Day Classes: $202.50/month
  • Four-Day Classes: $270/month
  • Five-Day Classes: $337.50/month

Full-Day Preschool Rates:

  • Tue/Thu: $96/week
  • Mon/Wed/Fri: $144/week
  • Mon-Fri: $240/week

Refund Policy

Registration fees are not refundable. If we are notified of a student withdrawal prior to July 10, the first month's tuition will not be charged. After July 10, refunds will be based on the program's ability to fill the class opening. If we are able to fill the spot before the first day of preschool, a full refund will be issued for the first month's tuition. If the spot is still empty once school begins, the first month's tuition will be forfeited in order to cover program operating costs.

If it is necessary to withdraw your child from preschool during the school year, a two-week written notice is required. As long as a two-week notice of withdrawal is received, the tuition for the last month in attendance will be prorated for the number of days the child attends preschool.

FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE

How do I apply for an Early Learning Scholarship?

To apply for a Pathway I Early Learning Scholarship for your child, please indicate your request for financial assistance when prompted during the online preschool registration process. 

Our office will contact you in June regarding further steps that will need to be taken.

Program Hours and Calendars

2018-19 School Year

Half-Day Preschool

Edgewood School - traditional and nature classes for 3- and 4-year-olds

  • 8:55-11:30 a.m. or 12:50-3:25 p.m. 
  • 8:45-11:20 a.m. or 12:40-3:15 p.m. (Ms. Amanda's 4-yr classes)
  • 2018-2019 Calendar (Revised 9/21/18) (Click Here)

FULL-DAY PRESCHOOL

Edgewood School - traditional classes for 3-year-olds (5 days per week)

Grainwood Elementary - traditional classes for 4-year-olds (2, 3 or 5 days per week)

Jeffers Pond Elementary - nature classes for 4-year-olds (5 days per week)

PARENT HANDBOOKS

2017-2018

Half-Day Preschool

Full-Day Preschool

2018-2019

Information will be posted at a later date

Family Events

family events at Edgewood School

Gingerbread family event and winter gear drive

December 1, 2018
10:00-11:30 a.m. 

Environmental Education Celebration family event

May 2, 2019
5:30-7:00 p.m. 

End of Year celebration picnic

For families who participate in Circle of Friends Preschool, ECFE and ECSE 
May 28, 2019
4:30-6:30 p.m.

Visits & Tours

Opportunities to Visit 

Mark your calendar for the upcoming preschool visitation opportunities before registration begins.  No need to register.

Peek Into Preschool

January 7, 5:00-6:30 at Edgewood
You and your preschooler are invited to visit Circle of Friends Preschool classrooms at Edgewood School during our Peek into Preschool events. You will have the opportunity to learn about our program options and spend time with our licensed preschool teachers.  No need to register.

Other locations dates and times TBD.

Tour and Talk

For an adult-only visit , join one of these Tour and Talk presentations at Edgewood School.  Adults will tour Edgewood School with our Early Learning Coordinator, discuss program options and view preschool classrooms.  No need to register.

  • December 5, 10:00 a.m.
  • December 17, 12:00 p.m.
  • January 10, 3:00 p.m.
  • January 29, 5:00 p.m.
  • February 13, 10:00 a.m.
  • March 13, 10:00 a.m.
  • April 10, 10:00 a.m.
  • May 8, 10:00 a.m.
PLSAS Early Learning Programs