Pre-K Scholars

UCPS Title I Pre-Kindergarten is a free, full-day program designed to promote each child’s optimal development and learning through a strengths-based, play-based approach to joyful, engaged learning. Learning experiences are meaningful and relevant for each child and are culturally, linguistically, and ability appropriate.

This enriching program is free for qualifying children and available at eight of our 13 Title I schools. Classes are small, with a maximum of 18 students, ensuring individualized attention.

Eligible children must be four years old on or by Aug. 31 of the school year for which they apply and show a need based on a state-approved pre-kindergarten assessment. The application period is Feb. 2 through March 20.

• Benton Heights Elementary: 7:30 a.m. – 2 p.m. 
• East Elementary: 7:30 a.m. – 2 p.m.
• Marshville Elementary: 7:30 a.m. – 2 p.m.
• Rock Rest Elementary: 7:30 a.m. – 2 p.m.
• Rocky River Elementary: 7:30 a.m. – 2 p.m.
• Sardis Elementary: 8:15 a.m. – 2:45 p.m
• Walter Bickett Elementary: 7:30 a.m. – 2 p.m. 
• Wingate Elementary: 7:30 a.m. – 2: p.m.

Eligible children must be four years old on or by Aug. 31 of the school year for which they apply and show a need based on a state-approved pre-kindergarten assessment. Applicants will be contacted in late March to schedule a time for the child to complete the Brigance Early Childhood Assessment as part of the screening process for eligibility. Those children that demonstrate the greatest educational need will be placed.

NC Pre-K is a no-cost, high-quality state program designed to strengthen classroom, academic and social/emotional skills for eligible children who are four years old by Aug. 31, 2026. Licensed teachers employ engaging, play-based methods to nurture children’s growth and skill development in a structured classroom environment. Families earning less than 75 percent of the state median income are eligible for the program. UCPS partners with the Alliance for Children to provide NC Pre-K classrooms in three school sites.

Visit this website for NC Pre-K application, eligibility and frequently asked questions.

Eligible children must be four years old on August 31 of the school year for which they apply. Families earning less than 75 percent of the state median income are eligible for NC Pre-K.

Families earning above 75 percent of the state median income may qualify if any of the following conditions are met. To apply, complete the NC Pre-K application, supply all required documents, and include documentation for one or more of the following:

• Family Size: 1
  75% State Median Income: $38,684
• Family Size: 2
  75% State Median Income: $50,587
• Family Size: 3
  75% State Median Income: $62,490
• Family Size: 4
  75% State Median Income: $74,393
• Family Size: 5
  75% State Median Income: $86,295
• Family Size: 6
  75% State Median Income: $98,198
• Family Size: 7
  75% State Median Income: $100,430
• Family Size: 8
  75% State Median Income: $102,662
• Family Size: 9
  75% State Median Income: $104,893
• Family Size: 10
  75% State Median Income: $107,125
• Family Size: 11
  75% State Median Income: $109,357
• Family Size: 12
  75% State Median Income: $111,589

Effective: October 1, 2022.

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, U.S. Department of Commerce Census