Pre-Kindergarten Choices

Watch a video presentation to learn about early childhood programs, the application process, eligibility, and more.

Late Applications

The primary application window is closed. Late applications will be accepted beginning on May 22.

In order to be considered for an option school/program, families must complete an application and submit all required documents online between Feb 1 and April 17, 2023.

Before applying, it’s important to review age eligibility, required documents, and potential fees for each program carefully.

If more applications are received than there are seats available, APS will conduct a random, lottery to determine admission to these option schools.

For questions or assistance, call 703-228-8000 (option 3), email schooloptions@apsva.us or visit the APS Welcome Center at 2110 Washington Blvd for in-person support.

Primary Montessori, VPI and CPP Application Timeline for School Year 2023-24

*Families do NOT receive lottery results on the day of the automated lottery. Families are notified of their acceptance or placement on the waitlist by email and/or text after 4 p.m. on the date in the application timeline.

Primary Montessori

A full-day Montessori Pre-K program is offered at 7 elementary schools (16 primary classrooms) and is for students ages three to five.

• View a video presentation to learn about the Montessori program.
• Enrollment Information

Virginia Preschool Initiative (VPI)

VPI is a free full-day Pre-K program for eligible families, located at 15 elementary schools.  VPI follows a curriculum that is research-based, developmentally appropriate and has been shown to increase academic and social success for students.

ELIGIBILITY

• The child has to be 4 years old on or before September 30th.
• Families with income at or below the values in the green column are eligible.
  • Example: A family of 4 that earns up to $60,000 annually qualifies.
• Families with income at or below the values in the yellow column may also qualify, based on local eligibility criteria, and are encouraged to apply.
  • Example: A family of 4 that earns up to $105,000 may also qualify based on local eligibility criteria.
  • For questions about income eligibility, call 703-228-8000 (select option 3) or email schooloptions@apsva.us.

Community Peer Pre-K (CPP) Program

The CPP program, located in 11 elementary schools, provides children with and without disabilities the opportunity to participate in an engaging and comprehensive inclusive Preschool program.  Children in the program receive differentiated instruction based on the Early Learning and Development Standards (ELDS). Instructional areas of focus include literacy, mathematics, science, history, health and physical development, personal and social development, music, and visual arts.

• The Toddler Program is a 25-hour-a-week program designed for children ages 2 years and 6 months through 3.
  • Children without disabilities must be 2.5 years old by September 30th to be eligible.
• The Pre-K Program is a full-day program designed for children ages 3 years and 6 months through 5.
  • Children without disabilities must be 3.5 years old by September 30th to be eligible and toilet trained.

Lottery Information: The lotteries for all pre-K programs will be held on May 3, at 1pm (view online).

NOTE: Families will NOT receive lottery results on the day of the lottery. Families will be notified of their acceptance or placement on the waitlist by email and/or text after 4pm on May 8.