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 12 Title I schools. Classes are small, with a maximum of 18 students, ensuring individualized attention.

Applications for the 2025-2026 school year will be accepted February 1 through March 15.

• 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.

North Carolina Pre-Kindergarten is a high-quality state program designed to strengthen children's skills the year before kindergarten. The program is free for income-eligible children who are four years old by August 31. Licensed teachers and assistant teachers employ engaging, play-based methods to nurture children’s growth and skill development in a classroom environment. The Creative Curriculum (R) is used to guide instruction following the NC Foundations for Early Learning and Development. The Alliance for Children partners with UCPS to provide NC Pre-K classrooms in three school sites. and Union County childcare partner sites. 

• Printed applications are available at the Alliance for Children office and NC Pre-K partner sites.
• Applications for the 2025-2026 school year will be accepted beginning February 3.
• Access the Alliance for Children NC Pre-K Application, eligibility and frequently asked questions.

• Indian Trail Elementary: 7:30 a.m. to 2 p.m
• Walter Bickett Education Center: 7 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
• Waxhaw Elementary: 7:30 a.m. to 2 p.m

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