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Clifton Public Schools

A Community of Learners

Schools

State & Federal Mandates

Preschool Programs

Clifton Early Learner Academy (CELA)

Registration is now Available for the 2025-2026 School Year

Clifton Public Schools offers free Full-Day Preschool for income-eligible 4-Year-Olds (please see the table for income-eligible guidelines).  Limited spots are available for non-income eligible families on a first-come, first-serve basis upon completion of the entire registration process (online registration and providing the necessary documents to the Office of the Registrar).

 

Learn More About CELA

    • Your child must live in Clifton
    • Your child must be 4 years old by October 1, 2025
    • You must be able to drop off your child at 9 AM and pick up at 3 PM
       

    If you meet these requirements, please continue the registration process by following the steps below.

  • Registration is required to be completed online. Please see Registration Services  for details. 

  • A table displays 2025 Federal Poverty Guidelines, showing income levels based on family size.

Contact Us

For general questions about the CELA Preschool Program, you may contact the main office at:

  • CELA Brighton
    290 Brighton Road Clifton, NJ 07012 (973) 470-2060
  • CELA Allwood
    39 Allwood Road Clifton, NJ 07014 (973) 778-0305
  • CELA Speer
    37 Speer Avenue Clifton, NJ 07013 (973) 561-4047

Preschool Program for Special Needs Children

Do you have special concerns about your child's development? Clifton Public Schools provides a free preschool program to assist children, ages 3-5, residing in Clifton who have special needs, such as:
 

  • Delayed Speech and/or language
  • Visual and hearing impairment
  • Delayed motor development
  • Emotional or behavioral problems
  • General learning problems
     

For further information, call the Clifton Public Schools Special Services Department at (973) 470-2286