Prekindergarten

Why Pre-K?

The Pre-K program offers many benefits. 90% of your child’s brain develops before they are five years old. Our Pre-K program takes advantage of this important time to learn. We provide foundational education that helps prepare your child for kindergarten. Research has shown that kids who attend Pre-K are less likely to be held back a grade and more likely to graduate from high school.

About the program

Our Pre-K classes are taught by certified teachers who are trained in early childhood education and development. They have the knowledge and skills needed to teach your child at this very important age.

Your child will learn:

to recognize colors, shapes, letters, and numbers
important social skills like how to pay attention in class and interact with other children
listening and speaking skills
early reading skills like how to hold a book, turn the pages, and look at pictures
basic math skills such as counting and measuring

Your child will also develop skills in science, social studies, fine arts and physical development for a balanced education. The curriculum taught uses research and follows a state-mandated curriculum.

A mother and her son posing in the Pre-K classroom

Which schools offer Pre-K classes?

We have two dedicated prekindergarten centers and 27 elementary schools that offer Pre-K classes in a full-day format. Some schools offer regular general education with ESL, some offer bilingual education, and some schools offer both.

We also have a Montessori magnet program at Luna ES and Herfurth ES that includes classes for Pre-K-aged children. Interested families may consider applying and paying to enroll. Specific timelines must be met to apply for magnet programs.

Find Pre-K campuses near your home Learn about the Montessori magnet List of schools with Prekindergarten School Directory (filter for Prekindergarten)

A teacher talking and smiling to her students as they line up

Does my child qualify for priority placement?

Though we welcome all students to our Pre-K program, seats are limited. Students who meet priority placement eligibility get placed in seats first. Empty seats after priority placement will be distributed to non-priority placement students as available.

Students who meet certain eligibility requirements will receive priority placement into available Pre-K seats. Find if you child qualifies and learn more on the Prekindergarten eligibility page.

FAQs

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How are the Pre-K centers different?

The Pre-K centers were designed and built specifically for four-year-old children. These centers do not have students in any other grades. The library, gym, bathrooms and lockers are all specially sized for Pre-K children.

In addition, we have a partnership with the Child Care Group Head Start program at our Pre-K Centers with two GISD/Head Start classrooms, one GenEd/ESL and on Bilingual, each center.

What time are the classes?

Our full-day Pre-K program shares the same hours and calendar as our elementary schools, 8:10 a.m.-3:20 p.m.

Can you choose which Pre-K your child goes to?

You may select up to three Pre-K schools as your top choices. At the time of enrollment, a Student Services staff member or a campus data clerk will assist you in completing enrollment for the school with seat availability.

Is transportation provided?

Transportation is not provided. You are responsible for transporting your child to and from school.

Many parents get help from family members or choose to coordinate drop-off and pick-up with their child’s daycare.

How does eligibility work?

Though we welcome all students to our Pre-K program, seats are limited. Students who meet priority placement eligibility get placed in seats first. Empty seats after priority placement will be distributed to non-priority placement students as available.

Learn more about Pre-K Priority Eligibility

Pre-K locations for the 2021-22 school year

We will be offering full day Pre-K at the following schools.

Locations	General Ed./ESL	Bilingual Spanish	Bilingual Vietnamese
Cisneros	Yes	Yes	No
Parsons	Yes	Yes	Yes
Back	Yes	No	No
Bradfield	No	Yes	No
Bullock	Yes	Yes	No
Caldwell	No	Yes	No
Carver	Yes	Yes	No
Club Hill	Yes	No	No
Couch	Yes	No	No
Davis	Yes	Yes	No
Freeman	No	Yes	No
Golden Meadows	Yes	Yes	No
Heather Glen	Yes	Yes	No
Herfurth (magnet)	Yes	No	No
Hickman	Yes	No	Yes
Liberty Grove	Yes	Yes	No
Lister	Yes	No	No
Luna (magnet)	Yes	No	No
Montclair	Yes	Yes	No
Northlake	Yes	Yes	No
Parkcrest	Yes	Yes	No
Pearson	Yes	No	No
Sewell	Yes	No	No
Shorehaven	Yes	Yes	No
Shugart	Yes	No	No
Southgate	No	Yes	No
Spring Creek	Yes	No	No
Steadham	Yes	No	No
Stephens	Yes	Yes	No
Toler	Yes	Yes	No
Weaver	Yes	Yes	No

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For more information, contact:

Student Services department

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