Enrollment Eligibility Information for Pre-K and Kindergarten

Pre-K Enrollment

Pre-K requires students to be declared eligible for services. The Texas Legislature determines eligibility requirements for free, public Pre-K in Texas. Listed below are the eligibility requirements. Documents to prove eligibility will be submitted through the online application.

To be eligible for enrollment in a free Pre-K, a child must be 4 years of age on or before September 1 of the current school year and meet at least one of the following eligibility requirements:

• is unable to speak and comprehend the English language
• is economically disadvantaged (eligible to participate in the national school lunch program)
• is homeless, as defined by 42 USC, §11434a, regardless of the residence of the child, of either parent of the child, or of the child's guardian or other person having lawful control of the child
• is the child of an active duty member of the armed forces of the United States, including the state military forces or a reserve component of the armed forces, who is ordered to active duty by proper authority
• is the child of a member of the armed forces of the United States, including the state military forces or a reserve component of the armed forces, who was injured or killed while serving on active duty
• is or has ever been in the conservatorship of the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (foster care) following an adversary hearing held as provided by Family Code §262.201
• is the child of a person eligible for the Star of Texas Award as
  • a peace officer under Texas Government Code §3106.002
  • a firefighter under Texas Government Code §3106.003
  • an emergency medical first responder under Texas Government Code §3106.004

Proof of eligibility must be provided and verified to complete the enrollment process.

Kindergarten Enrollment

To be eligible for the Kindergarten, your child must be 5 years of age on or before September 1 of the current school year. No exceptions can be made to eligibility requirements.