Dec. 8, 2023

The Wentzville School District is opening two early childhood classrooms in January at Peine Ridge Elementary for WSD children aged 3-5. This announcement comes on the heels of WSD’s decision to seek bids on a new REACH and Early Childhood Center in November. 

“The need for early childhood education in our community is significant, and we are fully aware of the positive impact it can have on the lives of our District kids,” said Dr. Katie Brettschneider, assistant superintendent of academic services. “We are looking for creative ways to get kids into WSD early childhood programming even if space is limited for the time being.”

These new classes filled up within just a few hours with children who were on the Barfield Early Childhood Center's waitlist or who were in our Parents as Teachers program. Families can still join the waitlist to be the first to know about future WSD early childhood opportunities by contacting Barfield at 636-561-5757.

Program details include: 

• Preschool is for children ages 3-5, children must have turned 3 before Aug. 1, 2023, to attend.

• Classes will be held all day, 8:45 a.m.-3:45 p.m. Tuesday-Friday (No classes on Monday)

• 15 students per classroom

• Children must be potty trained

• Program does not offer special education services

• Transportation will not be provided, a parent/guardian must provide or arrange transportation

• Tuition will be $560 monthly ($280 for families that currently qualify for free and reduced lunch.)

Peine Ridge will house this offering, as it is sitting at around 55% building capacity and is located across the District from Barfield, which may help make the program accessible to a new demographic of families.