Preschool Guide

Choosing a preschool can be a daunting task. Whether you are looking to sign up your child for next fall or in a few years, it’s never too early to start considering your options.

Preschools that opted for a paid listing are listed alphabetically at the top of this guide. These listings are updated yearly and include all of the information you need to know! By partnering with Wausau Mama, these preschools are showing their dedication to you!  I also highly recommend looking up your top picks on YoungStar, Wisconsin’s Child Care Rating System.

We are a Montessori Infant through Kindergarten program during the academic school year. We also offer year-round child care and Summer Enrichment Camp in the summer for ages 2-12. Experience our Nature Play-Based Curriculum through our Wednesday in the Woods and Forest Fridays programs.  We explore local green spaces in a play-based environment.

Mountain View Montessori

1500 Merrill Ave, Suite 100, Wausau, WI 54401

Ages

Preschool: 2 – 5 years of age
4K: Wausau School District
Childcare: 8 weeks to 6 years of age (during the school year)

Days and Times

Our operating hours are Monday through Friday 6:30 AM to 5:30 PM. Children’s schedules all vary based on family needs. They may include: half day options, 3-5 days a week, or full day options. 4K classes are either 8:30-11:00 AM or 12:30-3:00 PM.

Important Dates and Contact Info

Open House: Please call our school office at (715) 298-3832 to set up a tour or to inquire about our child care and preschool classes.


Mount Olive Kids

Mount Olive believes that behind every set of eyes is a soul that matters to God. We partner with families to ensure that their child knows that they are holy, chosen and dearly loved. (Colossians 3:12) Our program provides a safe, healthy environment that fosters spiritual, social, emotional, and physical development. It includes age-appropriate and developmentally sound activities such as art, music, learning centers, Bible and life lessons, as well as indoor and outdoor large motor activities. We have a private 3K program and are in partnership with the DC Everest School District 4K program.

Mount Olive Lutheran Early Childhood

6205 Alderson St, Weston, WI 54476

Ages

Preschool: 3 – 4 years of age (Students must be of age by September 1 and potty trained.)
4K: DC Everest School District

Days and Times

Our 3K program is held Monday-Thursday from 9:00-11:30 am.
Our 4K program is held Monday-Friday from 9:00-11:40 am.

Important Dates and Contact Info

3K registration begins in mid January.
4K registration begins the second full week of February.

Please call (715)359-5546 for current rates and additional information about our programs.


Witness the difference at Newman Catholic Schools, where teachers and staff are committed to getting to know each student and their family personally, and providing the individualized support and guidance that each student needs to succeed. The school community creates a safe and welcoming environment where students feel valued and supported. NCS welcomes students and families of all faiths.

Newman Catholic Schools

  • Newman Catholic Elementary School: St. Mark, 602 Military Rd, Rothschild, WI 54474
  • Newman Catholic Early Childhood Center: St. Michael, 615 Stark St, Wausau, WI 54403
  • Newman Catholic Early Childhood Center: St. Therese, 112 W Kort St, Schofield, WI 54476

Ages

  • Licensed Child Care (St. Michael and St. Therese): 6 weeks-12 years
  • 3-Year-Old Preschool (St. Michael and St. Mark): 3 years old on or before September 1
  • 4K (St. Michael, St. Therese and St. Mark): 4 years old on or before September 1

Days and Times

  • Licensed Child Care: Monday-Friday, 6:30am-5:30pm
  • 3-Year-Old Preschool: Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, 8:15-10:45am at St. Michael and 8:00-10:30am at St. Mark
  • 4K: Monday-Friday, 8:15-11:10am and 12:05-3:00pm at St. Michael, 9:00-11:40am and 12:30-3:10pm at St. Therese and 7:45-2:40pm at St. Mark

Important Dates and Contact Info

For more information or to set up a tour, please call the Enrollment Specialist at (715) 845-5735.


In our multi-age preschool classroom, the students are encouraged to actively participate in their own learning, to construct their own knowledge about the people and things in their world. We plan activities, follow the children’s interests, and participate with them in their play, while encouraging creativity and independence. Our goal is to expose the children to activities that not only enhance their academic, social and emotional development, but also prepare them to be lifelong disciples of Christ.

Our Savior’s Lutheran School

703 Flieth St, Wausau, WI 54401

Ages

Preschool: 3 – 4 years of age (Students must be age 3 by September 1 and potty trained.)
4K: Wausau School District
Child care: None. (Before and after school care may be available by contacting ABC Childcare 715-581-8363, which is located on our campus and is independently owned and operated.)

Days and Times

Classes meet Monday, Wednesday, Friday from 7:45 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.  The school year coincides with Our Savior’s Lutheran School’s calendar.

Important Dates and Contact Info

For more information or to set up a tour, please call our office at 715-845-3253, email OSInfo@oursaviorswausau.org or visit our website.


Sprouts Garden Preschool is a garden/ nature based preschool program hosting 3-5 year-olds. Sprouts Garden Preschool will put nature and plants at the heart of the program. It will be based on high-quality early childhood education and environmental education practices, and it will help lay a foundation of environmental literacy. Studies have shown that children learn best through play and hands-on experiences. Students will spend at least 80% of their time outdoors, guided in exploration and learning by a skilled early childhood environmental educator.

Sprouts Garden Preschool

1800 N 1st Ave, Wausau, WI 54401

Ages

Preschool: 3 – 5 years of age (Students must be 3 or 4 by Sept 1st, be potty-trained, and be dressed appropriately for 2-3 hours of outdoor play each day.)

Days and Times

  • Clover Sprouts Class, 3-4 year-olds: Tues & Thurs 8:30-11:30am
  • Alfalfa Sprouts Class, 4-5 year-olds: Mon-Fri 12:30-3:30pm
  • Sunflower Sprouts Class, 3-4 year-olds: Mon, Wed, & Fri 8:30-11:30am
  • Brussels Sprouts Class, 4-5 year-olds: Mon-Fri 8:30am-3:30pm

Important Dates and Contact Info

  • Registration for 2023-2024 Open Now!
  • Before Care 7:45-8:30am & After Care 3:30-5:30pm are available!

For more information, parents can visit our website or call 715-869-4565 for more information.


St. Mark’s Lutheran Preschool is a Wisconsin State Licensed Preschool Program designed for 3 and 4 year old children in a safe and caring Christian environment.  Our purpose is to be in partnership with parents, providing developmentally appropriate experiences that promote spiritual, social, emotional, cognitive, and physical development through playful learning experiences.  We foster a relationship with Jesus Christ as their Friend and Savior through age-appropriate religious instruction by qualified, degreed, Christian teachers. At St. Mark’s, children can feel secure and stimulated to discover and explore God’s world around them.

St. Mark’s Lutheran Preschool

600 Stevens Dr, Wausau, WI 54401

Ages

Preschool: 3 – 4 years of age (Students must be of age by September 1 and be potty trained.)

Days and Times

Monday, Wednesday, & Friday 9:00-11:30 a.m. (3 & 4 year olds)
Tuesday & Thursday 9:00-11:30 a.m. (3 & 4 year olds)
Monday – Friday 8:45-11:45 a.m. (4K)

Important Dates and Contact Info

  • We are currently enrolling for the 2023-2024 school year.  We encourage you to enroll your child before classes are filled!
  • NEW!  We are excited to offer BEFORE AND AFTER SCHOOL CHILDCARE for the upcoming school year!  Please visit our website or call 715-848-5511 for more information on child care hours and fees. 

Wausau Child Care, Inc.

Wausau Child Care is a NAEYC accredited, not-for-profit, fully-licensed and community-based organization specializing in quality care for children ages 6 weeks to 12 years. Wausau Child Care is dedicated to providing children with a warm, loving, consistent environment designed to foster physical, social, intellectual and emotional development while recognizing that each child is unique.

Wausau Child Care, Inc.

  • Franklin Preschool Center, 721 Franklin St, Wausau, WI 54403
  • Westside Preschool Center, 505 N 28th Ave, Wausau, WI 54401
  • Cedar Creek Preschool Center, 1841 CR XX, Kronenwetter, WI 54455

Ages

Preschool: 2 – 5 years of age
4KWausau School District (Westside and Franklin Centers) and DC Everest School District (Cedar Creek Center)
Child care: 6 weeks – 12 years of age

Days and Times

Franklin and Westside Preschool Centers: 6 am – 6 pm M-F (4K 1:30 pm – 4:00 pm)
Cedar Creek Preschool Center: 5:30 am – 6 pm M-F (4K 9 am-11:40 am or 12:30 pm-3:10 pm)
Full time care (4-5 days per week) and part time care (2 -3 days per week) are available.

Important Dates and Contact Info

Please visit our websiteFacebook page, for important dates and deadlines. You can call 715-848-1436 or email us at kgylund@wausauchildcareinc.com for current rates and additional information.


We support children by providing a safe and healthy place to learn foundational skills, develop healthy, trusting relationships and build self-reliance through the Y values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility. At the Y, we believe the values and skills learned early on are vital building blocks for quality of life and future success. That’s why our child care programs are staffed with people who understand the cognitive, physical and social development of kids, the need children have to feel connected and supported in trying new things, and the caring and reinforcement parents and families need to help each other. YMCA Family Membership is included with full-time child care enrollment.

Woodson YMCA Child Care

  • Wausau Branch: 707 Third St. Wausau, WI 54403
  • Aspirus Branch: 3402 Howland Ave, Weston WI 54476

Ages

4KWausau School District (Wausau Branch) and DC Everest School District (Aspirus Branch)
Child care: 6 weeks – 6 years of age and Before and After School care for up to age 12

Days and Times

4K: 9 am-11:40 am or 12:30 pm-3:10 pm
Child care: 6:30 am – 6 pm, M-F

Important Dates and Contact Info

For placement needs, you may fill out our online enrollment inquiry form. Call  the Aspirus Branch at 715.841.1857 or the Wausau Branch at 715.841.1838  


Additional Wausau Area Preschools

  • Bethlehem Preschool: 715-359-3366
    1750 CR XX, Rothschild, WI 54455
  • Head Start: 715-845-2947
    616 Grant St, Wausau, WI 54403
  • Key to Life: 715-359-5451
    3915 Sandy Ln, Schofield, WI 54476
  • KinderCare: 715-359-4118
    5201 Alderson St, Schofield, WI 54476
  • Little Scholars: 715-845-8389
    512 McClellan St, Wausau, WI 54403
  • Mosinee Preschool: 715-693-6965
    901 11th St, Mosinee, WI 54455
  • Parkside Preschool Center: 715-536-7716
    207 E 1st St, Merrill, WI 54452
  • Redeemer Lutheran Church: 715-359-6563
    6404 Old Costa Ln, Weston, WI 54476
    (Registration through Greenheck Field House)
  • St. John’s Lutheran Preschool: 715-845-7031
    164923 CR Z, Wausau, WI 54403