Universal Preschool in Colorado just hit a new milestone with a surge of applications for the 2026–27 program year. Parents in Colorado showed serious enthusiasm, flooding the system with more than 12,000 applications as they race to nab a spot for their little ones. As of December 22, exactly 12,886 applications were submitted, shattering previous records and showing a nearly 50% increase on the first day of enrollment compared to the year before, according to the Colorado Governor's Office.
Key to the program's growing success, the Universal Preschool system clocked in staggering numbers on December 9 with over 4,200 visitors and sustained a peak of around 1,700 users simultaneously throughout the day. With a system that's made to cater to families planning for their preschoolers, it's clear Coloradans are taking time out of their day to ensure their kids get a head start.
Governor Jared Polis expressed his enthusiasm, recognizing the considerable savings afforded to families and expressing eagerness to meet the next wave of preschool students. In his words, "Free preschool has helped more than 100,000 families in Colorado save money and give children the best possible start.” Polis highlighted the financial relief, as per the Colorado Governor's Office, emphasizing how families are saving an average of "$6,300 per year." Dr. Lisa Roy, the Executive Director of the Colorado Department of Early Childhood (CDEC), acknowledged the overwhelming response as a sign of trust in the quality of the state's preschool programs and the systems used for enrollment.
The current 2025–26 Universal Preschool year is still in full swing, serving tens of thousands of children. With 46,708 applications for four-year-olds and 42,862 kids enrolled statewide, numbers don't lie when they show how the demand for preschool access in Colorado is more than a passing trend. Universal Preschool remains steadfast in its mission to provide top-notch early learning opportunities to Colorado kids, creating a solid foundation before they hit kindergarten.
