Best Times to Schedule Preschool Dance Classes for Maximum Enrollment

When it comes to scheduling preschool (tiny tot) dance classes, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer—but there are some tried-and-true time slots that have proven successful across countless studios, including my own. Whether you're launching your first preschool program or looking to expand your existing classes, choosing the right class times can make a big difference in enrollment and long-term success.

Here’s what I’ve learned after years of helping studio owners run thriving preschool dance programs:

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👉 Best Times to Schedule Preschool Dance Classes for Maximum Enrollment

🕘 Morning Classes: The Gold Standard

Morning classes—specifically 9:00 AM, 10:00 AM, and 11:00 AM—tend to be the sweet spot for preschoolers. These time slots work well for both the child and their caregivers. Here's why:

• Preschoolers are at their best in the morning. They’ve had breakfast, they’re full of energy, and it’s not yet lunch or nap time.

• They’re able to focus and engage more easily in a structured class setting during this time.

• Parents or caregivers often have availability. Even if a child’s primary parent works, they might be in the care of a grandparent, nanny, or another parent during the day.

It’s easy to assume that weekday mornings won’t work because “most parents are working,” but don’t forget—those parents aren’t with their children during work hours. That doesn’t mean the child is unavailable for activities!

Just do a quick Google search, and you’ll find plenty of dance studios across the country offering—and filling—weekday morning classes for preschoolers.

📅 Saturday Mornings: A Weekend Win

Saturday morning classes are another top-performing option for preschool dance.

They’re a great fit for families with two working parents or more traditional Monday–Friday schedules. Weekend mornings are typically open for both kids and parents, and the timing still aligns with preschoolers' natural rhythms—before naps, lunch, and afternoon meltdowns.

If you’re looking to increase enrollment or serve a broader cross-section of your community, adding a Saturday morning class is a smart move.

🕐 Early Afternoons: A Strong Secondary Option

If mornings aren't feasible for your studio—or your personal schedule—early afternoon classes can still work well. Time slots around 1:00 PM, 2:00 PM, or even 3:00 PM are good alternatives. Keep in mind:

• These slots may overlap with nap time for some students.

• You won’t be able to serve everyone, but you can serve a specific group of families who find early afternoon ideal.

• A variety of class times across the week can help you accommodate more families overall.

While early afternoon slots may not be as popular as morning classes, they can still fill with consistent marketing and community outreach—especially if mornings aren’t an option for your studio.

🚫 Avoid Evenings (Here’s Why)

It might seem like offering a 5:00 or 6:00 PM class would be convenient for working parents, but in my experience, these late-day classes rarely succeed long term. Here’s what typically happens:

• Everyone is drained. Preschoolers are tired, parents are tired, and class energy is low.

• It clashes with dinner, bath, and bedtime routines.

• Enrollment might start strong but quickly fade.

If your studio attracts parents looking for evening classes, a better solution is to guide them toward a Saturday morning class, which tends to lead to better attendance and greater long-term success.

🎯 Final Thoughts: Choose What Works Best (for Everyone)

You’ll never be able to please every single family in your community—and that’s okay. The goal is to offer classes at the best times for your students’ success and your studio’s sustainability. Mornings and Saturday mornings are by far the most effective, followed by early afternoons.

Start with the “low-hanging fruit”—those tried-and-true class times that consistently work—and fill them. Once those are full, you can always add more variety to your schedule based on demand.

Remember: consistency, clear communication, and thoughtful scheduling will go a long way in building a thriving preschool dance program.

🍰 Want to See a Sample Preschool Dance Lesson Plan in Action?

My Bake Shop-themed Preschool Lesson Plan Kit is the perfect way to create an irresistible, camera-ready class that parents will love sharing.

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