The lottery application and waiting list for the 23/24 school year are now closed.  

If you are interested in a free preschool program please contact Butler County Educational Service Center at 513-785-6850 or go to BCESC Preschool Inquiry.

To apply for the 2023-2024 Preschool Lottery click the link below.

Click Here to Enroll in Hamilton City Schools Online

Before you Start:

• Please make sure you select the correct school year for which you are enrolling your child.

Hamilton City School District offers free preschool to students ages 3-5 at six of the eight elementary buildings.  All classrooms are designated as special education classrooms.  Students with a disability will have priority enrollment.  All other students are placed using a lottery.  Priority for the lottery will be given to students who are 4 years old by 8/1/2023.  Students who apply and turn 3 years old by 8/1/23 will be placed on the waiting list.  

Applications for the lottery will not be considered after March 22, 2023.  This deadline does not apply to students with a disability or a suspected disability.

Completing Final Forms does not guarantee a spot for your child in our preschool program.  If your child has a current Individualized Education Plan (IEP) or is in the process of being evaluated for special education services, please complete enrollment and someone from the preschool department will contact you.

• Current deed 
• Current mortgage statement 
• Current Butler County Property Tax billing statement 
• Utility bill 
• Settlement statement (within 90 days of purchase/closing) 
• Lease or rental agreement - the lease shall be current and must indicate the term of the lease, address of the leased property, the name of the property owner, the name of the lessee, and the listing of tenants. Also, it must be signed by both Lessee and the Property Owner. 

About us

The Hamilton City School District  Preschool Program is an Ohio Department of Education licensed and Step Up to Quality 5 Star Rated program.  The program provides free, play-based, developmentally appropriate learning opportunities in a safe and nurturing environment for all children ages three to five years old regardless of ability or need. It is for children residing in the city of Hamilton and is governed by the policies and procedures of the Hamilton City School District as well as those set forth by the Ohio Department of Education

The staff of the Hamilton City School District Preschool Program is certified and participates in continuous Ohio Approved Professional Development each year.  Their professionalism, creativity, and experience combine to make this program a success. Speech and Language Pathologists, Occupational Therapists, and Physical Therapists are also members of the preschool team. 

General Information

• Morning or afternoon programs (no full-day sessions available).

• There is no cost associated with our preschool program. 

• Four-day program (Monday through Thursday).

• Transportation provided  (restrictions apply).

Eligibility Requirements: 

• Children must be three years old on or before Aug. 1 during the year they wish to enroll. 

• Children who are five years old on or before Aug. 1 are not eligible.

• If your child is eligible for kindergarten, he/she is not eligible for this program.

• Children must reside within the Hamilton City School District.  We do not accept Open Enrollment for our preschool program.

• Priority is given to students that are 4 years old.

Registration Information: 

• Students who are currently attending the preschool program will automatically be enrolled upon the completion of the re-enrollment form which will be available each January. 

• We are no longer taking applications for the 2022-2023 school year.  

• The Application for the 2023-2024 School year will be open from February 1st through March 4th. 

• Preschool openings are filled using a lottery

Special Education Preschool: 

• All classrooms are taught by an Intervention Specialist
• We offer Integrated Preschool classrooms and Special Education Resource Classrooms
• Speech Therapy, Occupational Therapy, and Physical Therapy is offered to eligible students in all of our classrooms
• If you have questions or concerns about your child’s developmental or are interested in a developmental screening, please contact on of our Preschool Psychologists.

               Kerry Atkinson (katkinson@hcsdoh.org)
               Connie Bittner (cbittner@hcsdoh.org) 

Sarah Burdette

Principal of Preschool Programs

The Miami School

Hamilton City Schools

513-887-5024 ext. 2341

Contact Info: 
140 Ross Avenue, Hamilton, OH 45013 
(513) 887-5024