Last verified: October 2026
Is there free pre-K in Columbus?
For qualifying families, yes. The Ohio Preschool Program serves families at or below 200% of poverty, and Early Start Columbus aims at every four-year-old in the city with free or low-cost tuition for qualifying families.
What if we earn too much for the preschool grant?
The Child Care Choice Voucher covers families between 145% and 200% of poverty who pay for child care. Above 200% the remaining options are a school's own aid and, for children with an IEP, the Jon Peterson Scholarship from age 3.
Which local programs end at pre-K or kindergarten?
36 programs in our directory stop at pre-K or kindergarten. Many are early-learning chains and church preschools; ask each whether it participates in OPP, Early Start or publicly funded child care.
| Program | Income line |
|---|---|
| Ohio Preschool Program | 200% of poverty |
| Publicly Funded Child Care | Below 145% at entry |
| Child Care Choice Voucher | 145%-200% |
What is the next step?
Complete the two-minute funding check, and a tuition counselor will confirm which programs your family qualifies for and which dates apply.