The Oaklyn Preschool Lottery for the 2024-2025 school year is now closed.  We will notify families of the lottery results on or about April 15th.

If you have any questions about enrolling in the preschool program or would like to join our waitlist, please contact Mrs. Diane Silliphant at (856) 858-0335 x7226, or dsilliphant@oaklynschool.org

The Oaklyn Public School District has specific requirements for students who attend our schools. In addition to meeting residency requirements, the State of New Jersey also requires a physical examination by a doctor and certain immunizations.

With the help of Preschool Expansion Funding, the Oaklyn Public School District is able to offer a full-day preschool program for the 2024-2025 school year. This additional funding means we will be able to offer high-quality, full-day preschool without charge to Oaklyn children. The Preschool Expansion Funding will cover the cost of teachers, instructional assistants, other professional personnel, supplies, and related expenses. The exact number of seats available will be determined by the New Jersey Department of Education, and students will be selected through the lottery process. All Oaklyn preschool classrooms are located in Oaklyn Elementary School.

Oaklyn Preschool FAQ:

Q: Who is eligible?

A: Students who turn three (3) or four (4) years old by October 1 of the year they wish to enroll in the program and are residents of Oaklyn.

Q: What programs are offered?

A: Full-day three (3) and four (4)year old mixed-age preschool classrooms will be offered to Oaklyn children. No half-day programs are available.

Q: How many full-day seats are available?

A: Our seat count will be determined from the New Jersey Department of Education on or about April 1 (56 seats for the 2023-2024 school year).

Q: What are the hours?

A: The full day program runs from 8:30 am - 3:00 pm, 5 days per week when school is in session.  School lunch will be served and gross motor time provided. The program follows the Oaklyn Public Schools district calendar.

Note: When school has a single session day the program will run from 8:30 am - 12:30 pm.

Q: What is the cost of the program?

A: Oaklyn residents may take advantage of the program free of charge.

Q: Are all Oaklyn children guaranteed acceptance into the full-day preschool program?

A: While this is the ultimate goal, there are limited seats available during the 2023-2024 school year. Seats will be awarded via a lottery process with results of the lottery shared as soon as the New Jersey Department of Education confirms our seat count on or about April 1. After the lottery, any remaining seats will be available on a first-come, first-served basis. As we continue to expand our program over the next several years, we will strive to provide a program for additional Oaklyn children.

Q: How will the lottery work?

A: Upon receipt of your application prior to Tuesday, March 21, 2023 at 10:00am, your child will be considered entered into the preschool lottery. We will randomly assign numbers to each application and award preschool seats until all available seats are filled. Children will be awarded seats based upon order of drawing. Any seats that remain available after the lottery will be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis. As soon as the New Jersey Department of Education confirms our seat count on or about April 1st, we will notify families of the lottery results.

Q: My child is currently enrolled in the three-year old program. Do I need to apply for next year?

A: No. Your child will automatically be enrolled in the program again next year as long as they continue to meet the eligibility criteria and you wish for them to remain in the program. A separate survey will be distributed for you to indicate your preference. Please do not register for the lottery.

Q: Is transportation provided for students enrolled in the program?

A: No, Oaklyn is a walking district.