Pre-Kindergarten (4K)
HALF DAY AND FULL DAY OPTIONS
Half-Day Options for Pre-K (4K) Is Back at Hickory Hill Academy!
Now More Affordable Through Get Kids Ready. Enroll for Fall 2026
​Families asked. We listened.
Beginning Fall 2026, Hickory Hill Academy is bringing back our beloved half-day Pre-K program during the academic school year—reimagined for today’s families and made more affordable through Get Kids Ready.
Because a portion of the instructional day is funded through Get Kids Ready, we’re able to adjust half-day tuition while preserving the intentional, play-based, relationship-driven experience our families value.
This is the same Hickory Hill Academy experience—
grounded in curiosity, connection, and whole-child growth—
now offered in a format that expands access to 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
Half-Day Pre-K
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
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9:15–11:45 Get Kids Ready instruction
Afternoon Program (11:45am–3:30pm)
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11:45–1:00 Core programming & enrichment
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1:00–3:30 Get Kids Ready instruction
What to Know:
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Instruction is included.
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Tuition 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.
Estimated Tuition:
$195–$445 per month
(Final pricing confirmed once state guidance is released.)
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
Half Day Pre-K (4K)
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Morning or afternoon schedule
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Instruction included
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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?
Instruction is included through Get Kids Ready. Tuition covers care and programming beyond that instructional time. We do not offer a stand-alone instruction-only option.
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?
No. Instruction is embedded within our half-day and full-day programs to ensure consistency, relationships, and a developmentally appropriate experience.
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 tuition 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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