Learn more about current Pre-K programs in PWCS as well as universal Pre-K, coming to PWCS by the 2030-31 school year.
As part of the Elevate 2030 Strategic Plan, PWCS is expanding access to high-quality early learning through Universal Pre-K by the 2030-31 school year. Explore what this means for your family and how opportunities will continue to grow.
Research is clear that access to high-quality early childhood education improves academic, social, and long-term outcomes for students. Universal Pre-K aligns with PWCS’ commitment to equity, early learning, and ensuring students enter kindergarten ready to learn.
Universal Pre-K means PWCS is working toward a system where every four-year-old living in the county can enroll in a full-day Pre-K program with transportation provided at no cost by the 2030–31 school year.
In the first year, PWCS will focus on aligning the current preschool programs. This includes moving current four-year-old half-day classes to a full-day schedule, aligning the daily schedules with the elementary school day, and ensuring families have more consistent access to services across program types. The division will also add a small number of new seats where space is available.
No. Pre-K is offered in select schools based on space, staffing, and student need. PWCS is gradually expanding access as capacity grows. View schools served by the Pre-K Program.
Enrollment continues to follow priority-based criteria established through state, federal, and local funding programs. Seats are limited during early implementation years.
Four-year-old Pre-K enrollment is based on zoned schools. Families should check with their home school to learn what programs are available.
Yes. Beginning in the 2026-27 school year, pre-K students will ride regular PWCS school buses alongside elementary students. This approach aligns pre-K transportation with the elementary school day and helps support the transition to kindergarten.
Please note, Virginia law does not require students riding school buses to wear safety harnesses, lap belts, or seat belts. School buses are specifically designed for student transportation, with safety features that include high, padded seat backs, flashing warning lights, stop arms, and strict safety standards for drivers and vehicles.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) identifies school buses as one of the safest ways for children to travel to and from school due to their specialized design, rigorous safety standards, and professional driver training.
PWCS recognizes that demand for Pre-K currently exceeds available seats in most areas, especially in this first year of expansion. We encourage families to continue exploring other early childhood options while PWCS works to expand access in future years.
Families can use the Foundation First Childcare and Preschool Search Tool to find programs in Prince William County.
Universal Pre-K means PWCS is working toward a system where every four‑year‑old living in the county can enroll in a full day pre‑K program with transportation provided at no cost by the 2030–31 school year.
Visit the Pre-K Application Process webpage for information on how to apply, what documents are needed, and what happens after the application is submitted.
Visit the Find Your School website to figure out what attendance area you live in.
Pre-K classes begin on Wednesday, August 26, 2026.
Classroom hours vary by school and are determined by the transportation department.
Most Pre-K classes are 6 hours per day, with a few a.m./p.m. classes lasting 3.5 hours per day.
Pre-K children only need a bookbag large enough to fit a folder. All other school supplies are provided by the Head Start/VPI program.
Pre-K students are not eligible for the School Age Child Care (SACC) program.
Families in need of before-care or after-care can contact Foundation First for information on available childcare providers.
When delays or early closings of school are announced, this automatically alters the preschool schedules. Parents/guardians should follow the Prince William County Public Schools procedures related to school closings and delays.
The Pre-K Program serves students at 59 schools in PWCS.
To be eligible for the Pre-K Program, families must live in the attendance area of one of the schools served by the program.
Prince William County Public Schools offers Pre-K programs for low-income families with children 3 years of age living in the following elementary school boundaries (last updated June 2026):
Families who live within other elementary boundaries in Prince William County may be accepted only if there is space available in a nearby classroom (within a 5-mile radius). Parents must provide transportation to/from school for out-of-area students.
Prince William County Public Schools offers Pre-K programs for low-income families with children between the ages of 4 to 5 years of age living in the following elementary school boundaries (last updated June 2026):
Families who live within other elementary boundaries in Prince William County may be accepted only if there is space available in a nearby classroom (within a 5-mile radius). Parents must provide transportation to/from school for out-of-area students.