Y Academy University Hills-Schlessman
FOR LEARNING, COMMUNITY AND LIFE
The YMCA has been a leader in early childhood education, providing a welcoming and transformative environment where every child is nurtured and encouraged to learn, play, have fun and thrive.
Our curriculum-focused and family-centered, teaching skills for school-readiness and success, along with curiosity, confidence and values children bring with them throughout their lives.
Our program uses Tadpoles, an app that updates parents about their child throughout the day. This includes when a child eats, sleeps, and uses the bathroom. Teachers will be sending daily pictures of the child to parents to keep them updated on the fun activities they did for the day.
Universal Pre-K. The YMCA is a provider of Universal Preschool Colorado, a program administered through the Colorado Department of Early Education and created to make it easier for Colorado families to access affordable quality child care. Registration is done through the Universal Preschool Colorado application.
Parent Handbook 2025 - 2026 Calendar
“My favorite thing about working at Y Academy is watching the kids grow and using the things I teach them in their everyday experiences. I love working at the Y because of the sense of community.” — Raven Atkinson, Y Academy Instructor
AT Y ACADEMY, WE OFFER:
Ages 6 weeks to 18 months
Full-time care, Monday through Friday, 7 AM to 5 PM
Low teacher-to-infant ratios
Separate play rooms and sleep rooms
Support for nursing mothers - refrigerators for breast milk and rocking chairs so moms can drop in during the day to feed their babies
Developmentally-appropriate, age-specific curriculum
Age 18 months to 3 years
Full-time care, Monday through Friday, 7 AM to 5 PM
Low teacher-to-child ratios
Two toddler classrooms
Healthy breakfast and snacks
Dedicated playground
Developmentally-appropriate, age-specific curriculum
Ages 3 – 5 years
Full-time or part-time programs
Low ratios
Three age-specific classrooms
Healthy breakfast and snacks
Curriculum developed in line with kindergarten entry requirements of Denver Public Schools
Focus on learning through play and hands-on experiences
Developmentally-appropriate, age-specific curriculum
Y Academy Preschool Registration
We have options for you!
We’re excited that you’re considering Y Academy Preschool for your child. Below is everything you need to know to get started—from program options to registration steps and required documents.
Y Academy Infant program welcomes children ages 6 weeks to 18 months. We offer full-time options designed to meet your family’s needs.
Schedule | Cost/Month | Hours |
Full-Time (Mon–Fri) | $2,050 | 7 AM – 5:30 PM |
Y Academy Toddler program welcomes children ages 18 months to 3 years. We offer full-time options designed to meet your family’s needs.
Schedule | Cost/Month | Hours |
Full-Time (Mon–Fri) | $1,950 | 7 AM – 5:30 PM |
Y Academy Preschool welcomes children ages 3–5 years who are potty trained. We offer flexible part-time and full-time options designed to meet your family’s needs.
Schedule | Cost/Month | Hours | Lunch Included |
Part-time (Tue/Thu) | $975 | 7 AM – 5:30 PM | Yes |
Part-time (Mon/Wed) | $975 | 7 AM – 5:30 PM | Yes |
Half-Day* (Mon–Fri) | $606 |
| Yes |
3-Day (Mon/Wed/Fri) | $1,175 | 7 AM – 5:30 PM | Yes |
Full-Time (Mon–Fri) | $1,750 | 7 AM – 5:30 PM | Yes |
*Morning and afternoon half day are available. Contact your Y Academy Director.
Monthly tuition is automatically billed to your debit/credit card or ACH account.
Drop-in care is also available—contact your Y Academy Director for details.
*Additional $100 registration fee drafted at time of registration as well as the beginning of January of each year.
We believe every child deserves access to quality early learning. Financial help is available through the following programs. We encourage you to review the process and apply at these respective websites.
The YMCA also offers financial assistance and we encourage you to apply. Here’s how and those steps.
Follow these simple steps:
Set up a YMCA Account
Use our walkthrough PDF or to create your account.
Once logged into your account
Navigate to more and you’ll see an option for Scholarship Application
Watch our video on How to Apply for a Scholarship for a step-by-step guide.
Choose your scholarship type
You’ll be prompted to answer questions about your household, scholarship recipient, and financial information.
If you do not have the documentation, please select no documentation.
When you choose Finish, your application will begin processing.
Once approved, you’ll receive a promo code to enter at checkout during registration.
Follow these simple steps to enroll your child:
Set up a YMCA Account
Use our walkthrough PDF to create your account.
Choose Your Program
Visit here and select your preferred option (part-time, full-time, morning, or afternoon).
Add to Cart and Check Out
Complete your payment online.
You’ll receive a confirmation email right away.
Hear from Our Team
Your preschool director will follow up to confirm next steps and welcome your family.
Questions? Contact Shanla Arellano at SArellano@denverymca.org
Before your child’s first day, please upload the following through your YMCA account:
Child’s Well Check Form
Immunization Acknowledgement
Medical information and emergency form
Birth Certificate
Photo of child
Be aware that you will be asked to submit required documents as part of the registration process. You are asked to upload these one at a time during the registration process, but you can also upload after you’ve checked out. However, these forms are all required and will be verified by the Preschool Director before your child’s first day.
We’re here to help! If you have questions about registration or financial assistance, contact Shanla Arellano at SArellano@denverymca.org.
Virtual Tour Y Academy University Hills-Schlessman
In-person tours of our Y Academy are available on request and scheduled in advance.
Please contact our Y Academy Director Shanla Arellano.
Note our program cancellation and refund policy.
Like all Y programs, Y Academy is open to all, with financial assistance available. To apply for financial assistance, please complete our application.