Maryland Public Pre-K | 3–5 Years | Preschool in Elkridge & Frederick, MD
Your 3 or 4-year-old may qualify for Maryland's state-funded, FREE Pre-K program. Enroll today and give them the best possible start.
Quality Pre-K Education Now Available To More Families
As an approved Maryland Public Pre-K provider, we’re proud to offer a world-class early education program that blends Montessori, STEM, and the Creative Curriculum®, delivered by our dedicated, passionate teachers — fully funded by the state. Now, more families can access the award-winning Young Horizons experience that families in Elkridge and Frederick already love.
Top-Rated For Quality & Accredited By The State For Your Confidence
Our Maryland EXCELS Level 5 Award Is The Highest Possible Rating For Quality. We Are Accredited Through The Maryland State Department Of Education
Find Out If Your Child Qualifies for Free Pre-K
Your child may be eligible for the Maryland Public Pre-K program if they meet the following criteria:
- Your child turns 3 or 4 years old on or before September 1st of the school year.
- Your family meets Maryland's income eligibility guidelines (up to 300% of the federal poverty level).
Eligibility is determined by the state, and spots are limited — so we encourage families to reach out early.
Quality Pre-K Funded By The State. Delivered By Us.
When you enroll your child in the Maryland Public Pre-K program at Young Horizons School, they don’t just get free Pre-K — they get the full Young Horizons experience, including exceptional learning, qualified teachers, enrichments, safety, and parent communication.
What’s Included In The Public Pre-K Program?
Montessori & STEM Learning
The Creative Curriculum®
Highly Qualified Teachers
Access To Incredible Spaces
Music, Art & Spanish Included
Updates & Live Cameras
State-of-the-Art Safety & Security
Healthy, Tasty Snacks
All The Support You Need To Get Started
We’re here to guide you through every step of applying for Maryland Public Pre-K. Reach out to your nearest Young Horizons location by phone, email, or our contact form. We’ll help find out if you’re eligible, guide you through the application process, and answer any questions.
Your Public Pre-K Questions, Answered
What is the Maryland Public Pre-K program?
The Maryland Public Pre-K program is a state-funded initiative that provides free, high-quality Pre-K education to eligible 3 and 4-year-olds across Maryland.
Is Young Horizons School approved to offer the Maryland Pre-K program?
Yes! Young Horizons School is an approved Maryland Public Pre-K provider. We have partnered with the state and received grant approval to offer this program at our locations, so your child can access a free, state-funded Pre-K education right here in our classrooms.
Is the Public Pre-K program really free?
Yes, the Maryland Public Pre-K program covers your child’s core Pre-K tuition at no cost to eligible families. Optional enrichment programs like basketball, soccer, or karate are available for a small additional fee but are not required.
How old does my child need to be for Public Pre-K?
Your child must turn 3 or 4 years old on or before September 1st of the school year to be eligible for the Maryland Public Pre-K program.
Does my family need to meet an income requirement?
Income is one factor considered for Public Pre-K eligibility. Families at up to 300% of the federal poverty guidelines may be income-eligible. Other factors — such as McKinney-Vento (Homeless) Status, Foster Care, SNAP participation, and Special Education status — may also qualify a child. Contact us, and we’ll help you understand your family’s eligibility.
What curriculum does Young Horizons use for Pre-K?
Our Public Pre-K program uses the Creative Curriculum® for Preschool — the nation’s most widely used, research-based preschool curriculum — blended with Montessori-inspired and STEM-focused activities. Children build skills across four key areas: social-emotional development, language and literacy, cognitive skills, and motor skills.
Can my child do Pre-K and also attend before/after care?
We understand working families need flexibility. Please contact your nearest Young Horizons location to discuss extended care options and how they work alongside the Public Pre-K program.
How do I apply for Public Pre-K?
It’s simple — start by contacting your nearest Young Horizons location. Our team will walk you through the eligibility check and the full application process step by step. Spots are limited, so we encourage families to reach out as early as possible.
What if I have more questions?
We’re always happy to help! Reach us by phone, email, or through our Contact Us page. You can also schedule a tour to visit us in person — we’d love to show you around.
Hear What Parents Have To Say...
My grand children have been at Young Horizons School for the past month and they absolutely love it. They look forward to going to school each day. The staff and teachers are very friendly, professional and doing a great job with the children. Lastly, we love the new facility and enjoy looking at the beautiful aquarium every day.
- Yvette Brown
We recently started our 4-year-old daughter at Young Horizons and are so happy that we did. The focus on education, the cleanliness, the staff, the communication… everything is beyond our expectations. We adore Ms Charell and can tell that she truly loves children. I absolutely recommend Young Horizons to anyone in need of daycare.
- Rachel & Brian Kinlein
The management team are lovely individuals and are very supportive! All of the teachers are truly dedicated to the success of the children and passionate about making a difference. What an amazing school for it to be brand new! Kudos!
- Cherrell Dixon
My 4 year old attends the school. Aside from the clean environment and beautiful aesthetic You can feel the love inside the school. Ms Cherelle and Ms Marla are great teachers and they are very patient with my child. The communication is effective and they work with him daily to meet his goals and push him to his fullest potential.
- Dee
The staff are super friendly and great teachers. The facility is clean and they maintain the cleanliness. My kids really enjoy coming to this center
- Teresa Johnson
We love the consistent communication and caring nature of the ALL the staff at Young Horizons! The frequent updates and communication throughout the day has been so helpful to us as we navigate our infants first time in daycare. From the front office staff to the classroom teachers everyone is so kind and welcoming!
- Danielle Krimm Viswanathan
Our infant daughter has been with Young Horizon since the beginning. Staffs are very professional and friendly. Love that they send me updates through the day!
- Voahary Finaritra
We started our son on the very first day the school opened. Actually, we were the first family to enter that day! Every day since has been absolutely amazing. Each teacher has been A-1 hands down, like genuinely happy to be here and super welcoming to our children. The Director is on top of things administrative, and is always accessible and super sweet. But the star is the owner! Mrs Radhika is always on-site and you can genuinely tell this is her passion. Having an owner that’s hands on, welcoming and always has a smile on her face..(Read More)
- Monet Lynch
We were one of the first enrollments in the new Young Horizons School, and very happy with our decision. We left a private in-home daycare and initially had reservations about making the switch to a Center. Young Horizons is leaps and bounds ahead of the other centers we visited, and our 8 month old daughter is thriving. First, Ms. Rhadika and her team are wonderful. They are personable, smart, and genuinely care about the children. The facility is beautiful and thoughtfully designed: tons of natural light, large windows..(Read More)
- Kimberlee Glinka
This school is filled with dedicated, smart, talented, and kind teachers who have a passion for children’s learning and development. The energy in this school is amazing and so comforting. This is a school you will be proud to send your kid to. I love it here!
- Cloe Baxter
My son attended YHS and we absolutely loved the staff. All were so caring & loving. My son never had complaints. He learned so much there, and he became very independent. To this day, we see his growth from YHS. I highly recommend YHS, from the facility to the owner to the staff. We have no complaints.
- Angelina E. Navarro
My daughter started Young Horizons School because two of my neighbors’ daughters were going there too. I’m glad we chose YHS because it has helped my daughter’s development a lot. They have a good academic curriculum and extra activities, which keeps a child engaged and happy. Her teachers are very loving and caring. I would highly recommend parents send their kids to YHS.
- Ayushma Sharma
My daughter has attended Young Horizons School in the Infant 2 class, and we are so happy with her development. Anika was so helpful during the admissions process and helped answer any questions we had; she is the best! Her teachers have made her transition seamless. They treat her like their own child. She is excited to go to school! We love Young Horizons!
- Jai Ross
Young Horizons School is a wonderful learning center. I have attended several of their community-building events, and I have witnessed how the staff and the children are so happy to be there. I highly recommend Young Horizons.
- Joseph Neary
Young Horizons School has proven to be a fantastic school for our sons. The staff has consistently shown genuine care for our boys' physical, mental, and social development. We have all the confidence in YHS to engage with and care for our children. We look forward to watching our sons carry their Montessori education into the public school system in a few years.
- Edward Hoisington III
Our daughter's skillset is very advanced for a 3-year-old. She loves learning and continues to excel with any task at home as well. Her development and motor skills amaze us the most as parents. Thank you to the instructors and staff who nurture and take their time to ensure a great foundation for our daughter's developmental skills and learning experience.
- Katherine Korompis
My little daughter has been attending Young Horizons School. From the moment she started, she was given personalized and individualized attention to slowly adapt to the new setting without fuss. She was gently and carefully introduced into the class and to the incredible training curriculum. Her adaptation was obvious and noticeable; she settled in just as well as she did at her prior Montessori school.
- Leela Rani Avula
The teachers are caring, nurturing, and provide a solid educational start for our kids. Our child who currently attends loves the field trips they take and the various activities, including music, yoga, writing, reading, science, and math classes. Highly recommend this school for your little ones!
- Jay Voro
My husband and I love Young Horizons! The teachers and staff are wonderful! My child looks forward to seeing his teacher and friends. He enjoys reading, writing, music, yoga, Spanish, and math! And is excited to come home to tell us about his day! If you are looking for an educational, nurturing environment where your child can grow, I recommend YHS!
- Chequita Fenner
Give Your Child The Gift Of A Head Start
Spots in the Maryland Public Pre-K program at Young Horizons School are limited. Don’t wait — schedule a tour or click below to start your application.