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Quality by Design: How CUSD Preschools Nurture the District's Youngest Learners

Campbell Union School District (CUSD) has the unique offering of preschool programs for ages 2 years, 9 months through 4 in both half day and full time programs.

A Play-Based Foundation for Big Futures

In a CUSD preschool classroom, learning is an active, tactile adventure. The District’s curriculum focuses on nurturing each child's potential by encouraging them to explore, question, and discover the world around them.

CUSD’s early education teachers use play-based experiences to build core skills. As children build structures, create art, and share stories, they are simultaneously developing crucial social, physical, and cognitive abilities. This targeted approach ensures that when students eventually move up to Transitional Kindergarten (TK) and Kindergarten, they possess the confidence and creativity needed to thrive.

Aligned for Long-Term Success

One of the distinct advantages of a district-run preschool is the seamless alignment with elementary education. CUSD preschool teachers are highly trained and work in close partnership with TK and Kindergarten educators to ensure the curriculum flows naturally into the upper grades.

This consistency extends to behavior and social-emotional development. From their very first day, preschool students learn three simple, district-wide expectations: Be Safe, Be Friendly, and Be Respectful. Because these same values guide students all the way through their elementary years, children enter kindergarten already familiar with the culture and community expectations of their future campuses.

"Quality Matters" Certification

Families can rest easy knowing that CUSD's early childhood spaces meet rigorous standards. The district proudly participates in the Quality Matters Initiative, funded by First 5 Santa Clara.

This partnership means that classrooms undergo regular independent safety reviews, programs receive specialized support for early learning needs, and teachers have access to ongoing professional coaching. It is a structured framework that keeps the focus exactly where it belongs: on top-tier care and instruction.

Finding the Right Fit: Program Offerings & Locations

Understanding that every family has unique scheduling and financial needs, CUSD offers a diverse menu of both tuition-based and state-funded (free or low-cost) programs. Classrooms are located across multiple neighborhood school sites, and families do not need to reside within district boundaries to enroll.

Tuition-Based Options

Perfect for working parents or families looking for specific daily structures, these programs offer part-time, school-day, and full-day flexibility:

• 6-Hour School-Day Programs: Available at Forest Hill Elementary School
• 10-Hour Full-Day Programs: Available at Forest Hill Elementary School
• CUSD Employee Programs: Specialized schedules hosted at Forest Hill

Free or Low-Cost State-Funded Options

For families who meet state income eligibility requirements, CUSD provides excellent, subsidized early education:

• Half-Day Programs: Hosted at Blackford (8:15–12:15 AM), Lynhaven (8:15 AM–12:15 PM), and Rosemary (8:15–11:15 AM or 12:15–3:15 PM).
• Full-Day Programs: Hosted at Rosemary (7:55 AM–2:30 PM).

How to Enroll

Ready to take the first step? CUSD streamlines the registration process into a few straight forward online steps depending on the program path you choose.

1.Select Your Program Path: State-Funded vs. Tuition-Based.

Determine whether your family is applying for the free/low-cost State Preschool program or the Tuition-Based program.

2.Submit the Core District Form: Required for all applicants.

Visit the main district enrollment portal online, begin a new application, and make sure to explicitly select Preschool as the grade level.

3.Complete the Program-Specific Form: Finalize your placement preference.

If you are applying for the State program, complete the online Waitlist Application where you can verify income eligibility. If you are applying for the Tuition program, fill out the Tuition-Based Registration Form (you can also fill out a tour form if you'd like to see a classroom first).

Once your forms are submitted, the Preschool Enrollment Department will review your details and reach out within 3 to 5 business days with current classroom availability and your next steps.

Important Note: Preschool registration is only valid for the specific school year for which you apply—enrollment does not automatically roll over to the following year. The location of the preschool selected does not guarantee Kindergarten enrollment into that school following the preschool program.

For personal assistance or registration questions, you can contact the CUSD Preschool Department directly at (408) 364-4200 ext. 4180.

The Countdown is On: Preparing for the 2026-2027 School Year!

Read on for some practical tips on preparing for a successful school year.

The summer days are flying by, and a brand-new year of discovery, innovation, friendship, and growth is just around the corner. Campbell Union is thrilled to welcome students back on Wednesday, August 19, 2026.

From our littlest learners stepping into Transitional Kindergarten (TK) for the very first time to our 8th graders preparing to lead their campuses, a new school year brings a unique mix of excitement and anticipation. Whether your child is learning to tie their shoes or mastering pre-algebra, here is a helpful guide to ensure your family is ready to thrive on day one.

For Our Youngest Learners  (TK to 2nd Grade)

Starting or returning to early elementary school is a major milestone. For these young learners, building comfort and independence is key:

• Practice the Morning Routine: A couple of weeks before August 19, start practicing school-year bedtimes and wake-up alarms. Rehearse getting dressed independently and packing up backpacks.
• Build Lunchbox Independence: Help your child practice opening and closing their own lunch containers, water bottles, and snack bags. This builds immense confidence in the cafeteria.
• Read All About It: Visit the local library and pick up books about the first day of school (like Pete the Cat: Rockin’ in My School Shoes or First Day Jitters) to help normalize their feelings and ease separation anxiety.

For Our Growing Scholars (3rd to 5th Grade)

Upper elementary students are ready to take more ownership of their learning and daily habits:

• Designate a "Growth Zone": Work together to set up a quiet, well-lit homework and reading station at home. Involve them in organizing their supplies to build excitement.
• Reintroduce Daily Reading: Re-establish a daily reading routine. Swapping out 20–30 minutes of evening screen time for a great book is an excellent way to gently wake up their academic brains.
• Set Personal Goals: Sit down with your child and ask what they are most excited to learn or improve upon this year. Setting a positive intention now sets the tone for a successful year. Ask your student about the learning goals they would like to set this school year. 

For Our Middle School Leaders (6th to 8th Grade)

Middle school brings more independence, moving between classrooms, and managing shifting social dynamics:

• Map It Out: Moving to multiple classes can cause a little baseline anxiety. Encourage your student to attend orientation events to walk their schedule and meet their teachers.
• Establish Digital Boundaries: With middle school comes increased tech usage. Use the weeks leading up to school to establish healthy boundaries around social media, gaming, and smartphone use, ensuring devices go to sleep well before bedtime.
• Encourage Extracurricular Curiosity: Talk to your middle schooler about trying something new this year—whether it’s joining student council, trying out for a sports team, or participating in an after-school club.

The Back-to-School Checklist

Before the first bell rings on August 19, make sure your family has crossed these essential items off the list:

• Complete Online Registration: Ensure all annual district update forms, emergency contacts, and media releases are finalized through ParentSquare and InformK12.
• Review Immunizations: Check that your child's vaccinations and school health forms are up to date, especially for incoming TK/Kindergarteners and rising 7th graders.
• School Events: Be sure to check the school website for orientation, mixers, PTA, etc. events. These events are a great way to meet people and ease anxieties.
• Map the Commute: Whether your child walks, rides a bike, takes the school bus, or participates in a carpool, map out and practice your travel plan ahead of time.
• Label Everything: Avoid the lost-and-found by clearly labeling backpacks, lunchboxes, water bottles, and jackets with your child’s first and last name.

A Note on Big Feelings

It is completely normal for students—and parents—to feel a little nervous alongside the excitement. Take time over the next few weeks to ask your children how they are feeling, validate their emotions, and remind them that our wonderful teachers and staff are ready to take amazing care of them.

Enjoy these final remaining weeks of summer. Stay up-to-date by accessing and following District and school calendars.  We cannot wait to see our schools filled with energy, laughter, and learning on August 19, 2026!