POULSBO — The private kindergarten program provided by Martha & Mary Kids will not be offered next school year.

After the North Kitsap School Board approved offering free, full-day kindergarten at district elementaries, the demand for private kindergarten lessened, and Martha & Mary Kids decided to focus on pre-kindergarten care for enrolled students.

“With school districts offering free, full-day kindergarten, we felt it was necessary to shift a portion of our focus from private kindergarten to our preschool and pre-K programs,” said Tammi Palodichuk, program director at the Poulsbo site.

“We know that children’s school readiness is affected by the early care and learning experiences they receive,” Palodichuk added. “Martha & Mary Kids continues to ensure and excel in providing the building blocks for our children’s future.”

Keeping a 10-to-1 ratio of students to caregivers in kindergarten and pre-K, Martha & Mary’s private kindergarten program has had between eight and 14 students each year. Next year, by offering preschool only, it will be able to take 30 students — 20 in one classroom and 10 in another.

“It’s really getting the kids ready for kindergarten,” Palodichuk said. “A high-quality preschool program will give students a better start.”

The program’s focus is on social and emotional development, language, literacy, science, math and arts for the students.

Palodichuk said it’s important to ensure children are prepared for kindergarten, and being able to focus on that stage of education is a way Martha & Mary Kids works “to meet the ever-changing needs of the community.”

Preschool registration for the 2015-16 school year has opened. To register or for more information, visit www.marthaandmary.org or call 360-394-4095.