Pre-K program applications for the 2026-27 school year are now closed.
Eligibility is based on a child's age, family income, and school attendance area.
Applications are open February 1 - June 30. Selections begin in April.
Documents needed to complete the online application:
If you need assistance, please contact the Preschool Office to schedule an in-person or phone application at 703-791-8708 or [email protected].
Current Pre-K parents, please call the Preschool Office to apply for another child.
Acceptable income documents include:
A total of three proofs of address are required before enrollment: one primary document and two supporting residency documents.
Documents must be current (within two months) and include a parent or guardian's name and full address.
Primary Proof of Residency:
Two Additional Proofs of Residency:
Pre-K Family Service Workers schedule interviews with each family to discuss eligibility and review the documents submitted through the application. Families should allow two weeks for follow-up concerning their child's application.
Applications are not considered complete until all required documents have been submitted.
Once reviewed with families, applications are placed on a waiting list for the assigned school. Selections begin in April and continue until classes are filled.
Children are accepted according to enrollment criteria to ensure eligible children with the highest level of need receive priority.
Children are not accepted on a first-come, first-served basis.
The Enrollment Criteria and eligibility requirements are set by federal and state guidelines, Head Start and Virginia Preschool Initiative (VPI).
All children are placed on the waiting list after their application is completed. Beginning in April, the waiting lists for each school are reviewed, and children are accepted based on set Enrollment Criteria and the eligibility requirements (age, income level, and home address).
There are up to 19 slots in each preschool classroom, and waiting lists are maintained to fill vacancies when they occur.
Completing an application does not guarantee your child will be accepted into the Pre-K Program.
Families must meet income requirements to be eligible for the Pre-K program. If space remains in classrooms after all eligible children are enrolled, families who are over income may be accepted.
The program is limited to 10% of the total enrollment for those over the income limit.
Children who live within the elementary school area receive first priority.
Children who do not live within an elementary school area served are considered out-of-area for preschool. Out-of-area children, whose parents are willing to provide transportation or who have a day care provider within the school boundary served, may be accepted if space remains after all eligible children are enrolled.
Acceptance for out-of-area children does not begin until July, to ensure eligible in-area students have time to complete applications.
Out-of-area children are placed on wait lists for schools within a five-mile radius of their home.
The Pre-K Program reserves 10% of slots for students with disabilities. The program receives referrals from the Early Childhood Special Education Office. If your child has a current IEP, please contact your Special Education Teacher to discuss if a general education pre-k class would be right for your child.
Have concerns about your child's speech or development and want more information about a screening? Or does your child have an IEP in another school district?
If yes, please contact the Preschool Child Find Evaluation Center at 703-791-8857.
Once officially accepted into the Pre-K Program, families work with their assigned Family Service Worker to submit all required documents for school enrollment. See below for more information on Online Registration and the Orientation process for enrollment in Prince William County Public Schools.
Families are able to submit needed documents through email, direct upload, text message, or in person. Contact the Preschool Office for more information at 703-791-8708 or [email protected].
Once officially accepted, families complete PWCS Online Student Registration. Parents must register for a ParentVUE account to complete the school registration process.
Parents select the "Pre-K Registration" Online Packet to begin the Online Registration, making sure to select the correct school year.
Parents upload the following:
For assistance with creating a ParentVUE account, completing the Online Registration, or needed documents, please contact the Preschool Office.
Families are asked to review the Pre-K Parent Orientation videos and refer to the Parent Handbook (PDF) for more detailed information on Pre-K Policies. Once completed, parents inform their Family Service Worker, who will email Parent Responsibility and Consent forms to sign.
Before school enrollment, complete physical exams and immunization records must be submitted. If children have medical conditions or food allergies, additional forms will be required.
During the school year the preschool office will work with families to ensure children have dental exams and necessary medical follow up.
Before children start classes, the teacher will complete a home visit. Visits are scheduled with families the week before school starts. The initial home visit is a great time for families to share information about their child, ask questions, and learn more about the teacher.
Typically families are given bus information during the home visit.