“When should we start looking for a preschool?” is one of the most common questions in Frisco parent groups — and the answer is almost always: earlier than you think.
Here’s a realistic timeline for the Frisco market based on age groups, popular schools, and the realities of waitlists.
For an infant start (6-12 months old)
Start touring 6-9 months before you need care.
If you’re going back to work after maternity leave and need infant care, this is the most competitive and expensive segment of the market. Many top Frisco programs maintain infant waitlists of 6-12 months. Don’t wait until your baby is born — many families tour and put down deposits during pregnancy.
Action steps during pregnancy:
- Tour 3-4 schools in your second trimester
- Join waitlists at your top 1-2 choices in your third trimester
- Confirm enrollment 2-3 months before your return-to-work date
For a toddler start (12-24 months old)
Start touring 4-6 months ahead.
Toddler rooms still tend to be in high demand, but waitlists are shorter than infant rooms. If you’re moving to Frisco or transitioning from a nanny, plan to start touring 4-6 months before you want to start.
For a preschool start (2-4 years old)
Start touring 3-4 months ahead for a fall start. 2-3 months for mid-year.
Most preschool age groups (2’s, 3’s, and 4’s) have shorter waitlists or rolling enrollment in Frisco. The key timeline: if you want a fall start, tour in January through March, enroll by April, and you’ll be in good shape.
For a pre-K / kindergarten readiness year (4-5 years old)
Start touring 6 months ahead.
This is the year where curriculum quality matters most. If your child has been in another preschool or at home and you want a strong pre-K program for kindergarten readiness, start your search around January for a fall start.
Pre-K classrooms at popular Frisco programs — The Learning Experience Frisco (Winnie), Primrose School of Frisco (Winnie), The Goddard School (Winnie) — often fill up early in the spring because parents are specifically seeking strong kindergarten readiness. Whichever you tour, ask about pre-K availability for your child’s age cohort sooner rather than later.
The Frisco enrollment calendar at a glance
- January-February: Open houses, tours, and waitlist activity peak.
- March-April: Most fall enrollment is finalized.
- May: Last spots fill; summer camps begin enrollment.
- August-September: School year starts; mid-year openings appear sporadically.
- November-December: Quiet period, but a good time to plan for the following year.
What if you’ve missed the window?
Don’t panic. Frisco is a growing area, and many programs have rolling openings throughout the year as families move in and out. If you’re searching mid-year:
- Call directly rather than relying on online forms — phones get faster answers.
- Ask about waitlist position and likely opening date.
- Consider a part-time slot if a full-time isn’t immediately available.
- Have a backup plan: a part-time nanny, family help, or a flexible work arrangement for a few weeks.
The deposit question
Some popular Frisco preschools require a non-refundable deposit to hold a spot once your child is offered enrollment. These typically range from $100 to one month’s tuition. Before you put down a deposit, make sure:
- You’ve toured in person
- You’ve met the actual teacher who will lead your child’s classroom
- You’ve checked references
- You understand the refund policy in writing
One practical reminder
The earlier you tour, the more you’ll learn about what really matters to your family. Don’t think of touring as a transaction — think of it as research. Even if you’re 18 months out, visiting two or three Frisco preschools now will sharpen your sense of what you want when the time comes to commit.
And if you fall in love with a school early, don’t be afraid to get on the waitlist. The worst thing that happens is you decline the spot when it’s offered.
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