Lakeside is a non-profit preschool affiliated with Whatcom Community College and Bellingham Public Schools. We have a knowledgeable and educated staff including teachers and parent educators. We are board run by a panel of volunteers. Every family at Lakeside is unique and valued and their contributions of time and expertise combine with our staff to make Lakeside a thriving preschool program.


2024-2025 CLASS OFFERINGS


Lakeside’s classes are in session from mid-September until mid-June.  

2-Day Preschool: Tuesdays and Thursdays 8:15-11:15 am

Tuition:  $225/month*

Children must be 3 by September 15th to enroll, and toilet trained by the beginning of school. Children who will be 3 in early fall will be considered if space permits.

This class is designed for students who are younger 3-year-olds and/or this is their first experience in a preschool program.  This class focuses on primarily social and emotional growth, as well as the routines and expectations of a classroom environment.  While academic growth is important, our emphasis is on the process of learning rather than the product.

3-Day Multi-Age Preschool/Pre-K: Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays 8:15-11:15 am 

Tuition:  $295/month*

Children must be 3 years old by September 1st to enroll, and toilet trained by the beginning of school.

This class is designed for 3 – 5 year old students with some preschool experience.  This class continues to focus on social and emotional development, in addition to other hands on learning opportunities that introduce literacy, numeracy, and science concepts through play.  Upon completion students will be ready to move on to PreK or Kindergarten.

4-Day Pre-K: Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays 12:00-3:00 pm

Tuition:  $395/month*

Children must be 4 years old by September 1st to enroll, and toilet trained by the beginning of school.

This class is designed for 4 – 5 year-olds who are ready for more of an academic challenge or those who miss the cut-off date to start Kindergarten.  Students continue developing their social-emotional and pre-Kindergarten skills in an engaging and playful environment, feeling confident and ready to enter elementary school after their fun Lakeside experience.

* A monthly tuition reduction of $35-$52 is available to families needing financial assistance or if the cost of full tuition would prevent participation in our program.*


ADDITIONAL COST INFORMATION & FAMILY COMMITMENT


Tuition:

Tuition is paid September through June and due by the parent meeting each month.  A $10 late fee will be assessed after the 10th of the month.  There is a $22 per month sibling discount for those with more than one child enrolled, which is applied toward the second sibling’s tuition.  Some families may qualify for tuition assistance.

Fees:

A $250 non-refundable Registration Fee is due upon enrollment.

Tuition, Fees, and Fundraising cover the costs of preschool operations, classroom materials and teacher payroll and benefits contributions.

Fundraising Commitment:

Each family is required to fundraise $300, which can be accomplished through several fundraisers organized by the school, or simply by paying it directly.

Parent Jobs & Classroom Work:

Each family will choose a Parent Job (one job per student enrolled at Lakeside). Parent jobs include Board positions, cleaning and maintenance, classroom materials prep, fundraising committees, etc.

Lakeside is affiliated with Whatcom Community College. By enrolling at Lakeside, you are enrolling in a Parent Education Course through WCC.  Parents are required to work in class 1 -2 days per month per student enrolled at Lakeside, which counts toward the “practical” portion of the course.  The “classroom” portion is fulfilled through mandatory monthly parent meetings, held the first Wednesday of each month from 6:30-8:00pm (no childcare provided).