If you have a little one getting ready for preschool or kindergarten, congratulations! There’s nothing more exciting than watching them take their first big step into learning. Families in the Evergreen and Conifer area have so many wonderful choices — from Clear Creek and Jeffco’s public schools to independent programs and nature-inspired preschools. Colorado offers school choice so you can enroll your child in any school, although remember transportation is not available beyond your neighborhood school.
We’ve gathered the local highlights below, along with key dates, open houses, and enrollment tips to make your planning a little easier.
What to Know Before You Visit
- Kids entering kindergarten must be 5 years old by October 1 of the school year (Jeffco and most local programs).
- Preschool programs generally serve ages 3–4 and often offer half‑day or full‑day options. JeffCo now funds 20 hours of preschool per week for 4 year olds.
- Many schools host open houses or information nights in November and December.
- Be sure to have proof of age, residence, and immunization records ready when registering.
- For Jeffco schools, registration happens through EnrollJeffco; for Clear Creek, visit their website.
Jeffco Public Schools (Evergreen + Conifer)
Bergen Elementary offers preschool and kindergarten on a shared campus that emphasizes community, authentic differentiated instruction, and multi-sensory reading training for every teacher. It’s the biggest school in the Evergreen area with school bus service from most neighborhoods. Most kids at Bergen will transition to Evergreen Middle School and Evergreen High School.
US News & World Report Ranking 2026: #9 out of 74
Website: bergen.jeffcopublicschools.org
Elk Creek Elementary, nestled among the pines in Conifer, offers a close-knit, caring environment focused on nurturing the whole child — academically, socially, and emotionally. The school is known for its dedicated teachers, strong parent involvement, and hands-on learning experiences that prepare students for success both inside and outside the classroom.
Website:
elkcreek.jeffcopublicschools.org
Marshdale Elementary embraces a ‘whole-child’ philosophy — focusing not just on academics, but also the social and emotional wellbeing of students — and is known for its strong sense of community and supportive learning environment. Preschool serves ages 3–4 with half‑ and full‑day options.
Marshdale students will either transition to West Jeff Middle / Conifer HS or Evergreen MS and Evergreen HS depending on their location.
US News & World Report Ranking 2026: #7 out of 74
Website: marshdale.jeffcopublicschools.org
Parmalee Elementary is a small “hidden gem” K–5 neighborhood school recognized for academic excellence (including Gifted & Talented support) and a focus on social-emotional growth, enrichment programs and personalized learning. Long tenured staff and focus on addressing every individual child's needs creates a tightknit community
Parmalee students will either transition to West Jeff Middle / Conifer HS or Evergreen MS / Evergreen HS depending on their location.
- Family Educational Info Night: Dec 4 2025 at 5:30 pm. Learn about the 2026/27 enrollment process and meet the teachers
US News & World Report Ranking 2026: #6 out of 74
Website: parmalee.jeffcopublicschools.org
Ralston Elementary is a K–5 public school that emphasizes inquiry-based, integrated and 21st-century learning, backed by national recognition, a strong STEM/Maker Space focus and a rich tradition of excellence.
Ralston students will either transition to Evergreen MS and Evergreen HS or Golden schools depending on their location.
- District‑wide Info Night: typically mid‑November (check school site for updates).
US News & World Report Ranking 2026: #4 out of 74
Website: ralston.jeffcopublicschools.org
Rocky Mountain Academy of EvergreenA tuition-free Jeffco charter school, RMAE offers a high-performing kindergarten program rooted in the Core Knowledge curriculum. It’s an ideal choice for families seeking a balanced approach of high academic standards, small class sizes, and a tight-knit mountain community.
Website: rmae.org
West Jefferson Elementary prides itself on delivering interactive, highly-engaging instruction in a mountain-community setting while maintaining strong academic performance.
- No published Info Night found — contact school directly. Offers preschool and kindergarten in a small‑community setting.
US News & World Report Ranking 2026: #20 out of 74
Website: westjeffersonelementary.jeffcopublicschools.org
Wilmot Elementary is a true neighborhood preschool–5 school where many teachers live locally, the community feels like family, and the curriculum blends high academic standards (EL Education model) with character and social-emotional learning.
Wilmot students will typically transition to Evergreen MS and Evergreen HS..
- Open House: December 2, 2025 - Wilmot Prospective Parent Information Night
- Date TBD (usually late November)
US News & World Report Ranking 2026: #23 out of 74
Website: wilmot.jeffcopublicschools.org
Clear Creek County Schools
King Murphy Elementary is a local elementary school serving the Clear Creek area offering preschool and K services; ideal for families in the county looking for a smaller, community-centered school experience.
Open House & Meet the Principal – December 10. Families can explore the preschool and kindergarten classrooms and learn about Clear Creek RE‑1 programs
US News & World Report Ranking 2026: #2 in Clear Creek, 715 in Colorado
Website: king-murphy.ccsdre1.org
Private & Independent Schools
Montessori School of Evergreen serves ages 15 months – 8th grade in authentic Montessori classrooms. Focus is on individualized, multi-age learning in a Montessori environment that emphasizes independence. Schedule a private tour through the admissions office.
Montessori School of Evergreen prepares young people for life, while keeping childhood alive, through an authentic Montessori education.
Website: montessori-evergreen.org
Evergreen Country Day School is an independent school offering preschool through middle school with small class sizes, a creative and rigorous learning environment, and a strong emphasis on student growth and confidence. Admissions and Info Sessions posted online.
Website: evergreencountryday.org
Community Preschools & Early Learning Centers
Kids Garden is a nature‑based and play‑focused preschool for ages 3–5 with Montessori and Reggio influences.
Website: kidsplaygarden.com/evergreen
Mindful Beginnings emphasizes mindfulness and social‑emotional growth through creative, play‑based learning.
Website: mindfulbeginningspreschool.com
Episcopal Day School of Evergreen is a faith‑based preschool for children 12 months – 6 years, with nurturing teachers and a strong community.
- A faith-based preschool for children ages 12 months to 6 years, known for its nurturing teachers and strong community engagement.
Website: edse.org
The Great Escape Preschool is a well established local preschool known for hands‑on learning, music, and outdoor play experiences.
Website: evergreenpreschool.org
TLC Evergreen is a full‑day care and preschool for ages 2–5 with flexible scheduling options and a strong focus on preparing young learners for kindergarten success.
Website: tlclearningevergreen.com
Enrollment Process & Timelines
Jeffco Public Schools
Families enroll through EnrollJeffco. Create or log in to your account, add students, choose your neighborhood school or apply for choice enrollment, and upload required documentation (birth certificate, proof of residence, immunizations).
Age eligibility: 5 years old by October 1 for kindergarten.
Timeline
• Round 1 Enrollment: Opens December 2, 2025 – Closes January 9, 2026.
• Round 2 Enrollment: Opens January 15, 2026 for late or choice applications.
All applications within Round 1 are treated equally — not first‑come, first‑served.
Clear Creek School District RE‑1
Families complete online registration through the district website (ccsdre1.org). New students provide documentation and complete forms for transportation and emergency contact. Preschool and kindergarten eligibility generally follows state guidelines — 5 years old by October 1.
Timeline
Registration typically opens in spring or early summer. The district often hosts a Pre‑K & Kindergarten Registration Fair in June. Check the district website or contact your school directly for updates.
Summary & Tips
- For Jeffco schools: Start enrollment in December and attend Info Nights in November or December.
- For Clear Creek schools: Expect registration to open in spring or early summer.
- Gather your documents early to avoid delays.
- Visit multiple schools to find the right fit for your child.
- Ask about extended‑day and enrichment options — they fill fast!
Choosing a preschool or kindergarten is a big step, but our mountain community is full of caring teachers and creative classrooms. Start exploring early, visit often, and trust your instincts — you’ll know when you’ve found the right fit!
When visiting events and local businesses, be sure to tell them Macaroni KID sent you... and don't forget to tell all your friends!
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