Plymouth Schools Expand 4K Options with Nature-Based and Full-Day Programs

New preschool offerings aim to meet growing demand for early childhood education.

Apr. 15, 2026 at 11:04pm

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An abstract, out-of-focus photograph showing the silhouettes of children playing and exploring in a lush, green outdoor environment, with warm pools of soft light washing over the scene, conveying a sense of peaceful, curious discovery.The proposed nature-based 4K program would immerse young learners in hands-on exploration of the outdoors at a local camp.Plymouth Today

The Plymouth School District is proposing to add two new 4K program options for local families - a nature-based preschool at Camp Anokijig and full-day 4K classes both at the camp and in the district's existing classrooms. The proposals, which require school board approval next week, aim to expand early childhood education opportunities in the community.

Why it matters

As demand for quality, affordable childcare and preschool continues to rise, the Plymouth School District is responding by diversifying its 4K offerings. The new nature-based program at Camp Anokijig will provide an outdoor, experiential learning environment, while the full-day classes aim to better accommodate working parents' schedules.

The details

The proposed 4K programs would be in addition to the district's existing half-day 4K classes. The nature-based preschool at Camp Anokijig would immerse students in outdoor activities and hands-on learning, while the full-day 4K options at both the camp and in district classrooms would extend the school day from the current half-day format.

  • The Plymouth School Board will vote on the proposals at its meeting next Monday, April 21, 2026.
  • If approved, the new 4K programs would launch in the 2026-2027 school year.

The players

Plymouth School District

The public school district serving the city of Plymouth, Wisconsin and surrounding areas.

Dena Budrecki

Assistant Superintendent of the Plymouth School District, who proposed the new 4K program options to the school board.

Camp Anokijig

A nature-based outdoor education camp that would host one of the proposed 4K preschool programs.

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What they’re saying

“We're excited to offer these new 4K options that will give families more flexibility and choice when it comes to early childhood education in our community.”

— Dena Budrecki, Assistant Superintendent, Plymouth School District

What’s next

If the school board approves the proposals next week, the district will begin enrolling students in the new 4K programs for the 2026-2027 academic year.

The takeaway

By expanding its 4K offerings to include nature-based and full-day programs, the Plymouth School District is demonstrating a commitment to meeting the evolving needs of local families and providing high-quality early childhood education opportunities.