PARK CITY, Utah — In a significant move that reflects the evolving landscape of early childhood education, the Park City School District (PCSD) has announced a 19% increase in preschool tuition for the 2026–27 school year. District officials assert that this adjustment is necessary to cover the expanded services provided by the preschool program, which has shifted from a limited part-time model to a comprehensive full-day, five-day-a-week offering for three- and four-year-olds. This expansion aligns with the district's commitment to enhancing early learning opportunities while ensuring that the program remains financially sustainable despite the absence of state funding. In an email correspondence with TownLift, district spokesperson Colton Elliott clarified that the preschool program operates without the financial support typically offered to K–12 education through per-pupil allocations. He noted that the program costs approximately $1.5 million annually to sustain, with tuition revenue covering only a portion of these expenses. "The increase reflects the true cost of providing quality education and care for our youngest learners," Elliott stated. The transformation of the preschool program is the result of careful planning and significant enhancements made over recent years. Elliott detailed several key changes that have taken place, including the introduction of full-day programming at all elementary school sites, incorporation of optional after-school care, and the integration of preschoolers into elementary school specials such as library, physical education, music, art, and coding classes. Additionally, the district has invested in instructional coaching and curriculum alignment to ensure that preschool students receive consistent and high-quality education across all classrooms. Rather than implementing a series of incremental tuition hikes, district leaders opted to first enhance the program's offerings before adjusting the rates. This approach, they believe, allows for a more transparent understanding of the value being provided to families. However, even with the tuition increase, Elliott emphasized that the preschool program is expected to continue operating at a deficit, with the district subsidizing the program as a long-term investment in early childhood education. The new tuition rates for the 2026–27 school year have been officially published by the district. Families can expect to pay $950 per month from September to May for full-day preschool, along with prorated fees of $400 for August and $235 for June. For parents opting for half-day preschool, the monthly tuition is set at $475 from September to May, with a prorated fee of $235 for August and $120 for June. To assist families with multiple children enrolled concurrently, a 10% sibling discount is also offered. Addressing the underlying factors contributing to the tuition increase, Melissa Tschabrun, the district’s preschool coordinator, identified various practical pressures that have arisen. These include the need for competitive staffing and retention, investments in curriculum and classroom resources, and rising operating costs. "To attract and retain talented early childhood educators and support staff, we have established an excellent pay scale," Tschabrun stated. The district has also committed to enhancing curriculum materials and providing professional development focused on key areas such as social-emotional learning and executive functioning. Moreover, Tschabrun highlighted the importance of reinvesting tuition revenue directly back into staffing and educational resources for the preschool program. This investment not only aims to improve the quality of education but also ensures that the program remains attractive to families in the community. Elliott further pointed out that even with the tuition increase, the district's preschool remains a more affordable option compared to many private alternatives in the area. He estimated that comparable private preschool programs in Park City typically charge between $1,250 and over $2,000 per month. The district's commitment to affordability is underscored by the fact that approximately one-third of preschool students benefit from some form of tuition support. This support includes free tuition for students receiving special education services, reduced rates for families qualifying for free or reduced lunch, sibling discounts, scholarships funded by Summit County, Park City, and the Park City Education Foundation, and additional community resources for families earning below the Area Median Income. While district officials acknowledge that the tuition increase is significant for families, they view it as a necessary step to align costs with an expanded program that continues to rely on district subsidies for its operation. As the Park City School District continues to prioritize early learning, these changes reflect a commitment to providing high-quality educational experiences for the youngest members of the community, ensuring that they are well-prepared for their future educational journeys.