The Best Young 5s & Pre-K Programs in West Michigan

Where to Find Young 5s Programs Near Grand Rapids

Is your child technically old enough for kindergarten, but you’re not sure if they’re ready academically or socially? In Michigan, you have options.

While preschool is the first thing many of us think of, there’s actually a school that bridges the gap between preschool and kindergarten, that offers a little more academic focus than preschool, but with more flexibility than kindergarten.

It’s called Young 5’s and many parents find this the perfect fit for the kid before the rigors of elementary school.

Read on to see all the wonderful Young 5 programs in West Michigan. You’ll find both faith-based and secular, all day programs and half day programs.

Girl in a Young 5s program learning to write.

Grand Rapids Young 5s programs are important to many families.

Young Fives. Developmental Kindergarten. Transitional Kindergarten. Pre-Kindergarten. 

Whatever you call it, these programs have been a life saver for kids who aren’t quite ready to start kindergarten in the fall. Young Fives offers a little more structure than preschool, and their curriculum guides your child to kindergarten readiness.

Parents also like that schools offer a variety of time structures, including half day programs or schools that are only three days a week.

Although many public schools have stopped offering Young Fives, some still offer an all day, every day program. Many families, however, have turned to private and charter schools for more flexible Young Fives programs.

Grand Rapids Young 5s and Pre K Programs | 2024-2025

Once you’re ready for kinder, use our mega list of local schools to weigh your options as you decide what best suits your child’s needs.

Thinking another year of traditional preschool would be best for your child? Find just the right place in the GRKIDS preschool guide.

Young 5s or Pre K Programs with Multiple Locations

AppleTree Early Care and Preschool
Goddard School
Grand Rapids Christian School Grand Rapids & Rockford locations
Milestones Child Development Center
National Heritage AcademiesChandler Woods, Cross Creek Charter Academy, Excel Charter Academy, Knapp Charter, Ridge Park Charter Academy, River City Scholars, Vanderbilt Charter Academy, Vanguard Charter Academy, Vista Charter Academy, Walker Charter Academy

City of Grand Rapids Young 5s Programs

All Saints Academy2233 Diamond Ave NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49505616-447-2997
Children’s Workshop Preschool2727 Michigan St NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49506616-977-0555
Eastminster Preschool1700 Woodward Ave SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49506616-247-0433
Grace Episcopal1815 Hall St SE, Suite 100, Grand Rapids, MI 49506616-239-2650
Holy Spirit Catholic School2222 Lake Michigan Dr NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49504616-453-2772
Immanuel St. James Lutheran2066 Oakwood Avenue NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49505616-363-0505
Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic School1951 Plymouth Ave SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49506616-241-4633
Mayflower Preschool2345 Robinson Rd SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49506616-459-7386
New Community Preschool2340 Dean Lake Ave NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49505616-361-9780
NorthPointe Christian540 Russwood St NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49505616-363-4869
Our Savior Lutheran1916 Ridgewood Ave SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49506616-949-0710
West Michigan Academy of Environmental Science4463 Leonard St NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49534616-791-7454
West Side Christian955 Westend NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49504616-453-3925

Young 5s North of Grand Rapids

Our Lady of Consolation4865 11 Mile Rd, Rockford, MI 49341616-866-2427

Young 5s East of Grand Rapids

Ada Christian6206 Ada Dr SE, Ada, MI 49301616-676-1289
Ada Village Preschool6330 Ada Dr SE, Ada, MI 49301616-676-3576
Canterbury Creek Farm School6555 Grand River Dr NE, Ada, MI 49301616-676-0248
Forest Hills Presbyterian Preschool​7495 Cascade Rd SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49546616-957-3239
St. Robert’s Catholic School6477 Ada Dr SE, Ada, MI 49301616-455-4966

Southern Grand Rapids Young 5s

Byron Center Christian8840 Byron Center Ave, Byron Center, MI 49315616-878-3347
Dutton Christian School6729 Hanna Lake, Caledonia, MI 49316616-698-8660
Legacy Christian520 68th St SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49548616-455-0310
Moline Christian1253 144th Avenue, Moline, MI  49335616-877-4688
St. Mark Lutheran School1934 52nd St SE, Kentwood, MI 49508616-455-5320
Zion Christian7555 Byron Center Ave, Byron Center, MI 49315616-878-9472

Young 5s West of Grand Rapids

Borculo Christian6830 96th Ave, Zeeland, MI 49464616-875-8152
Grandville Christian3934 Wilson Ave, SW, Grandville, MI 49418616-532-2373
Holland Christian School556 Butternut Dr, Holland, MI, 49424
913 Pine Ave, Holland, MI, 49423
616-820-2805
616-820-3535
Horizon Complex6462 Center Industrial Dr, Jenison, MI 49428616-669-7722
Hudsonville Christian3435 Oak St, Hudsonville, MI 49426616-669-6689
Lamont Christian5260 Leonard Rd, Coopersville, MI, 49404616-677-1757
Maple Tree Preschool3060 Wilson Ave, Grandville, MI 49418616-534-5465
St. John Vianney Catholic School4101 Clyde Park Ave SW, Wyoming, MI 49509616-532-7001
Zeeland Christian School334 W. Central Ave, Zeeland, MI 49464616-772-2609

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10 thoughts on “The Best Young 5s & Pre-K Programs in West Michigan”

  1. The Goddard School on Knapp’s Corner is opening an AMAZING young 5s program next month for those starting Kindergarten this fall. It is going to be a great little refresher for my young 5 little boy who I started in K this year, but had to pull him. He just wasn’t ready, but I was looking for something for a few months before starting him again and found this place! Check them out!

    1. Kentwood Public Schools offer several Young 5’s Programs and are very good programs for those parents wanting to have their child have another year to grow and develop at their own pace before entering the rigor of Kindergarten. They provide bussing for in person learning if needed as well. They are currently offering a choice for families as well; in-person or online with a teacher and the class as a whole, and one to one, or “small group” options on top of the daily multiple group lessons throughout the day. I know many friends who have sent their children there and love it.

  2. Creative PlayStation Christian Preschool in Allegan has a wonderful Y5s program (MWF 1/2 days). My son was starting to read before Kindergarten with their program! Zion Christian in Byron Center also has a Y5 program (2 full-days/wk).

  3. Avatar photo

    Dutton Christian School has a Young 5’s Kindergarten (5 half-days) in addition to a progressive Kindergarten (starts with a MWF schedule, then adds Tuesdays mid year, before eventually adding Thursdays as well).

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