Where to Find Young 5s Programs Near Grand Rapids
My son has a July birthday, and my husband and I are currently on the fence about sending him to Young Fives or Kindergarten in the Fall. While we do feel he is academically ready, we are unsure if he is emotionally ready. That’s why I am researching Young Fives programs in West Michigan.
Many of my friends who put their kids in young fives have said that giving their kids this extra year to grow both personally and academically was the best choice they could have ever made.
Pushing my son into Kindergarten next year just because of his age is not the right answer. I want school to be a positive place. And, of course, as his parents, we want to set him up for success!
Grand Rapids Young Fives 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.
Although many public schools have stopped offering Young Fives, some 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 Programs | 2021-2022
Check with the public schools in your area, and use our private and charter school list here 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 our mega GRKIDS preschool guide.
Do you know of a Grand Rapids area charter or private school offering a Young Fives program that is not listed below? Please let us know in the comments.
Young 5s Programs with Multiple Locations
AppleTree Early Care and Preschool
Goddard School – Pre-K Program
Grand Rapids Christian School – Grand Rapids and Rockford locations
National Heritage Academies – Chandler 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
Grand Rapids Young 5s Programs
All Saints Academy – Fabulous 4’s and 5’s Program
Immanuel St. James Lutheran – Pre-K Program
Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic School
West Michigan Academy of Environmental Science
Young 5s North of Grand Rapids
ISJ Academy – Pre-K Program
Our Lady of Consolation in Rockford
Young 5s East of Grand Rapids
Ada Village Preschool – Pre-K Program
Children’s Workshop Preschool – Pre-K Program
Forest Hills Presbyterian Preschool
Southern Grand Rapids Young 5s
Byron Center Christian – Junior Kindergarten
Creative Play Station Christian
Dutton Christian School – Early 5’s
Milestones Child Development Center
Zion Christian – Pre-Kindergarten
Young 5s West of Grand Rapids
Grandville Christian – Junior Kindergarten
Lamont Christian – Pre-K Program
St John Vianney Catholic School
West Michigan Lakeshore Area Young 5s
Borculo Christian– Pre-K Program
Holland Christian School – Junior Kindergarten
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!
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.
St. Robert in Ada also has a preschool, young 5s program, kindergarten, and 1st grade (starting this fall).
West Michigan Academy of Arts and Academics in Spring Lake has a Young 5s program starting in fall 2019 as well.
St. Robert Catholic School will offer young 5s starting in the fall of 2019. This will be a Monday through Thursday full day program (8-3).
West Michigan Academy of Environmental Science also has a free young 5s program, M-F all day.
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).
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).
Kenowa Hills Public schools offers a free young fives program. It is offered at each of the elementary buildings and runs all day everyday Monday through Friday!
Will an out of district child be able to Enroll? Grandparents live in kenowa hills