Pre-Kindergarten (4K)
HALF DAY AND FULL DAY OPTIONS
Half-Day Options for Pre-K (4K) Is Back at Hickory Hill Academy!
Now Offering Get Kids Ready at No Cost During the School Year.
​Families asked. We listened.
Beginning Fall 2026, Hickory Hill Academy will fully participate in Get Kids Ready, allowing families to access the state-funded instructional portion of Pre-K during the academic school year.
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Through this initiative, families may choose a half-day Pre-K option at no cost for the instructional portion of the day, with the opportunity to add wrap-around care as needed.
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This expansion allows us to bring back our beloved half-day Pre-K program while continuing to provide the consistent, relationship-based experience families value at HHA.
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Instruction remains thoughtfully embedded within our established, play-based, whole-child program and is delivered by our experienced Hickory Hill Academy educators.
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This is the same intentional HHA experience — now available in more ways for more families.
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Half day is a wonderful option.
Full day is the complete Hickory Hill Academy experience.
​Why Families Are Excited
A Beloved Program Returns - Reimagined
At Hickory Hill Academy, Pre-K is more than preparation for kindergarten. It’s where children learn to:
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Build friendships
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Solve problems
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Regulate emotions
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Explore their curiosity
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Grow in confidence
Our half-day program offers:
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A warm, engaging introduction to school
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Play-based, developmentally appropriate instruction
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Consistent teachers and predictable daily rhythms
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A program rooted in relationships—not transitions
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Eligibility regardless of school district
Instruction is embedded into the school day and delivered by our experienced HHA educators.
This is the same intentional Pre-K experience our community trusts.
“HHA offers an unrivaled academic environment and experience in Dane county. The thing I love the most about HHA is their belief in that education is not centered on producing intellectual achievement alone, but recognize their responsibility to develop the whole child. Enrolling your child at HHA is truly one of the best gifts you will give your child.”
Alexa Young, Product Manager
Choose the Experience That Fits Your Family
Free Half-Day Pre-K Schedule (School Year)
A focused, gentle introduction to school.
Schedule Options:
Morning Program (8:00am–11:45am)
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8:00–9:15 Core programming & enrichment (optional)
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9:15–11:45 FREE Get Kids Ready instruction
Afternoon Program (11:45am–3:30pm)
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11:45–1:00 Core programming & enrichment (optional)
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1:00–3:30 FREE Get Kids Ready instruction
What to Know:
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Instruction is included.
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Costs reflects care outside the instructional block.
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Ideal for families seeking a shorter school day.
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A gentle transition into group learning.
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The Get Kids Ready instructional program (2.5 hours per day) is offered at no cost during the academic school year. Families may add optional wrap-around care before or after the instructional block.
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Half-Day Program Costs (Estimated)
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Instructional Program (School Year): $0
Funded through Get Kids Ready (2.5 hours per day)
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Optional Wrap-Around Care:
Families who choose care beyond the instructional hours can expect costs in the range of $195–$295 per month, depending on schedule selection.
Final extended-care pricing will be confirmed once state funding guidance is released.
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FREE School-Year Pre
Full-Day Pre-K, The Complete Hickory Hill Academy Experience
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Operating Day: 7:30am–5:30pm
Tuition Covers: 8:00am–3:30pm
Instruction Included: 2.5 hours per day (437 hours/year)
Half day is meaningful.
Full day is where learning is extended, deepened, and lived.
Why Families Choose Full Day
Continuity & Rhythm
Children experience the full arc of the day—learning, play, rest, meals, and reflection—with one consistent teaching team.
Learning Beyond Instruction
Concepts introduced during instruction are applied through extended projects, outdoor exploration, and collaborative play.
Social-Emotional Growth
Problem-solving, friendship skills, and self-regulation develop naturally throughout the day.
Full Day Sample Schedule​
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7:30–8:00 – Optional before-school care
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8:00–9:15 – Core programming
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9:15–10:30 – Get Kids Ready instruction
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10:30–11:15 – Enrichment & exploration
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11:15–11:45 – Lunch
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11:45–12:30 – Rest & reset
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12:30–2:00 – Core programming
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2:00–3:15 – Get Kids Ready instruction
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3:15–3:30 – Transition
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3:30–5:30 – Optional after-school care
Optional before- and after-school care available for both programs.
Comparison:
Half-Day vs. Full-Day
Free Half Day Pre-K (4K)
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Morning or afternoon schedule
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FREE instruction
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Core instruction & connection
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Structured outdoor play
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One daily transition
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Ideal for families seeking a shorter day
Full Day Pre-K (4K)
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8:00am–3:30pm school day
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Instruction included and extended
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In-depth projects & exploration
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Extended outdoor play
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Lunch & rest included
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Enrichment specials
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No mid-day transitions
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The complete HHA experience
Both Options
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Play-based learning
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Experienced HHA educators
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Strong kindergarten readiness
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A relationship-centered environment
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ)
Is Pre-K free?
Yes. The half-day Pre-K instructional program is offered at no cost during the academic school year through Get Kids Ready. Families who need care beyond instructional hours may add optional wrap-around care for an additional cost.
Why isn’t full-day tuition reduced?
Get Kids Ready supports instructional hours, not full-day care. Full-day tuition continues to support staffing, enrichment, and the complete program families rely on.
Can my child attend only for the instructional portion?
Yes. Families may enroll in the half-day Pre-K instructional program at no cost during the academic school year. We anticipate most families will choose some form of wrap-around care to provide additional enrichment, play, and social experiences.
What’s the difference between half-day and full-day?
Half-day focuses on core instruction and connection within a shorter day.
Full-day extends learning through projects, outdoor play, meals, rest, and enrichment—without transitions
Does half-day include lunch time?
No. Lunch and rest times are part of the full-day program.
Are the teachers the same quality for half-day and full-day?
Yes. Children are taught by experienced Hickory Hill Academy educators using the same philosophy and approach.
Do families have to live in a specific school district?
No. Eligibility is open regardless of school district.
Do I need to complete any paperwork for Get Kids Ready?
Yes. Families must complete the required Get Kids Ready application (HHA will provide this). Signing does not change tuition, enrollment, or schedule.
Is pricing finalized?
Full-day tuition is finalized. Half-day optional wrap-around costs will be confirmed once final guidance is released in May of 2026. Families will be informed well before the school year begins.
What is Get Kids Ready instruction?
Get Kids Ready supports 2.5 hours of daily Pre-K instruction during the academic school year. At HHA, this instruction reflects the same high-quality, play-based, whole-child approach we have already been providing. The program reinforces strong standards and accountability while supporting the intentional literacy, math, and social-emotional learning that are central to our Pre-K classrooms.
Is HHA changing its
Pre-K program?
No. We are continuing the high-quality program families know and trust. Get Kids Ready aligns with what we are already doing well and helps ensure we maintain strong instructional standards. The additional funding allows us to confidently continue investing in quality programming, experienced educators, and enhancements that strengthen our Pre-K experience.
When is half-day programming offered?
Half-day Pre-K is offered during the academic school year. Summer programming is separate and not part of the school-year half-day option.
A Place That Feels Like Home
Families often tell us that Hickory Hill Academy feels like home the moment they walk in.
That’s because our teachers know each child’s favorite book, their biggest smile, and the things that make them feel brave. We take great pride in creating a community where children and families are welcomed with open hearts—and where learning feels joyful every single day.
We’d love to show you what makes this place so special during all of the seasons!
Inquire today to schedule a tour!
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