Page Updated 2-10-2025

The South Portland School Department is pleased to open the preschool lottery for 2025-2026 School Year.  We anticipate 64 spaces for children in this program.  There are two classrooms at Dyer School and two at Kaler School, but children from all areas of South Portland are eligible to attend.

Children who will be 4 years old by October 15, 2025 are eligible to enter the lottery.  The program is Monday-Friday from 8:30-1:30 pm. To receive state funding 60% of the students must qualify for free or reduced-priced meals, and 15% must qualify for Child Development Services (CDS). 

Applications must be received by Sunday March 2, 2025 11:59pm for consideration in the first round.  Students who receive a slot will be notified March 6, 2025.   Please do not call the office for the lottery results prior to March 7. 

If your application is selected, you will be notified via ReachMyTeach.  Families must reply to accept the placement, and schedule a screening time on March 19, 2025.  

 Sample Daily Schedule:

• 8:30 a.m. Arrival & Movement

• 8:40 a.m. Let's Find Out About It/Let's Talk About It

• 9:00 a.m. Breakfast/Snack

• 9:30 a.m. Morning Meeting

• 9:45 a.m. Center Time

• 10:55 a.m. Songs, Word Play & Letters

• 11:20 a.m. Lunch

• 11:55 a.m. Story

• 12:15 p.m. Small Groups

• 12:25 p.m. Closing Circle

• 12:35 p.m. Outside Play

• 1:30 p.m. Dismissal

Each classroom has an Early Childhood Teacher and one Educational Technician.  We use OWL (Opening the World of Learning) as our curriculum. OWL covers all aspects of development and its activities meet the learning needs of four-year-old children. The daily routine is well-balanced between teacher-led whole groups and Center Time when children can choose a variety of learning areas to participate in for as long as they want. Teachers will collaborate with CDS, the South Portland School Department and families to review progress and individual needs for children prior to their transition to kindergarten.