Enrollment Process

  • Once your child is enrolled, it is NOT necessary to apply each year to continue enrollment. Only siblings of currently enrolled children are given priority in the enrollment process and will be considered prior to lottery selections.
  • At the time of invitation and enrollment into the program, a non-refundable enrollment fee of $100 is required for each child. This enrollment fee applies to new families and siblings and holds the child’s spot at the Center. It will not be refunded should you choose not to enroll your child after accepting the invitation.
  • Families will pay an annual non-refundable registration fee. Fees for 2025-2026 are $150 for one child, $250 for two or more. 
  • During the enrollment process, a family meeting will be held with the classroom teachers to discuss the classroom placement, curriculum, family goals, and program policies. This meeting allows families and the Center team to discuss, plan and facilitate the child’s transition into the program.

Admission Timeline & Application

  • Admissions Timeline
    • December 1, 2025 - February 13, 2026: Lottery applications accepted
      A non-refundable $125 Application Fee must accompany every application. Applications must be submitted by the end of the day on February 13th, 2026.
    • Late February: Lottery numbers assigned
    • Early March: First round of admission for the new school year
      Families are offered a spot via phone call and/or email, based on lottery numbers and vacancies, and are given 2 business days to accept or decline placement. If accepting a spot, a non-refundable $100 Enrollment Fee is required to confirm acceptance.
    • Mid-End of March: Families not placed notified by email
      The lottery list becomes a waiting list for the new school year, and families will be contacted should any spots become available.
    • Mid-End of March: Acceptance letters are sent with information about the enrollment process, related paperwork and important dates.
    • Early April: New school year classroom rosters posted at Fisher
    • Enrollment Paperwork and Financial Aid Applications are sent to all families (new and returning)
    • Mid-April: Enrollment Paperwork due
    • Early May: Financial Aid Applications due
    • Late May: Financial Aid awarded
    • Late May: Payroll deduction forms sent (DU families only)
    • Late May-Early June: Infant Department New Family Visits (Bearsie Bears and Roly Polys)
    • June 18, 2026: Last day of 2025-2026 School Year
  • Application Process

    The Fisher Early Learning Center's enrollment process for the 2026-2027 school year is now open.  

    Please consult the table below  before applying to ensure you select the appropriate age range for your child. Your child must be born on or before June 30, 2026.

    ClassroomAge Range (As of 7/1/2026)Date of Birth
    Infants6 weeks - 12 months7/1/2025 – 6/30/2026
    Toddlers12-24 months7/1/2024 – 6/30/2025
    Twos24-36 months7/1/2023 – 6/30/2024
    Preschool3-4 years7/1/2022 – 6/30/2023
    Pre-K4-5 years (final year before kindergarten)7/1/2021 – 6/30/2022
    Apply Here

     

    We encourage you to email FELC.Enrollment@DU.edu if you have any questions.

    Fisher's school year begins at the end of June each year and extends through the middle of the following June. Admission takes place through a lottery selection process conducted each February. We do NOT maintain a waiting list. The annual lottery is the only method by which students are admitted to the Fisher Early Learning Center.

    We accept applications for children with special needs throughout the year. We only accept general lottery applications from December of the previous year until the deadline in February. We do NOT accept late (or incomplete) lottery applications, and we give NO priority to applications according to the date in which they are received. With the exception of current Fisher families enrolling a second child and families who have a child with special needs, all names are drawn from each age group pool at the same time. All families who accept an enrollment offer must commence enrollment by the first business day in July at the beginning of the new school year.

    Prior to contacting us for more detailed information, please refer to our FAQ's webpage where you may find answers to any questions you may have.