February 5, 2026 | Lewis County, WA — United Way of Lewis County, in partnership with Bezos Academy, is encouraging families to apply now for Bezos Academy Centralia, a tuition-free preschool located in the United Learning Center of Lewis County in downtown Centralia.
Applications for the 2026–27 school year officially opened on January 27, 2026, and families must apply by 5:00 pm on Monday, April 20, 2026, to be included in the enrollment lottery. Families will be notified of lottery outcomes by 5:00 pm on Tuesday, May 5, 2026.
Bezos Academy Centralia is a four-classroom preschool serving children ages three and four, offering a high-quality early learning experience designed to help children enter kindergarten ready to learn and thrive.
“This is a major investment in Lewis County families and our youngest learners,” said Annie Oien, Executive Director of United Way of Lewis County. “Bezos Academy Centralia represents what’s possible when community partners come together to create access to high-quality early learning.
About Bezos Academy Centralia
- Location: United Learning Center of Lewis County, 415 N Pearl St, Centralia, WA 98531
- Program: Tuition-free preschool
- Schedule: 7 hours per day, 5 days per week
Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible for Bezos Academy, your family’s gross annual income can be up to 400% of the Federal Poverty Level. Children must:
- Be three or four years old by September 2026. (Children born between September 1, 2021, and August 31, 202,3 are eligible)
- Tuition is free for all enrolled families who meet eligibility requirements.
How to Apply
Families can learn more about eligibility and submit an application at:
https://bezosacademy.org/eligibility/
Applications submitted after April 20, 2026, will be added to a waitlist or offered a seat, depending on availability.
A Community-Centered Approach to Early Learning
Bezos Academy Centralia operates in partnership with United Way of Lewis County as part of the broader United Learning Center — a collaborative, community-driven hub designed to support children and families through life-long learning, enrichment, and wraparound services.
Bezos and United Way of Lewis County urge families across the county to share this opportunity widely and apply early.