Could DCPS Prek4 get cut for this fall?

[Anonymous]

We just lotteried into a well-regarded DCPS prek4 for next year. But it means giving up a spot at the private preschool our DD3 loves.

We’re ready to make the leap, but have heard rumblings that budget cuts could lead DCPS to cut PreK.

Anyone have insight into how this might work? I know it’s uncharted territory… Could they really cut a program/grade after spots have been offered—or are those offers binding?

[Anonymous]

If the House continues to prevent home rule, I would expect PK to be canceled as the GOP has been pretty clear that White women should be at home making babies to prevent the great replacement and Brown people do not deserve handouts.

[Anonymous]

https://www.washingtonpost.com/education/2025/03/12/dc-pkeep-preschool-funding-cuts/

Maybe for some types of community care centers, not traditional publics or charter schools. A wider cut to the whole program would likely take a two-year phased approach, cutting preK3 first and then preK4 the following year.

[Anonymous]

No, they are not cutting pre-k in public schools or charters (unless they choose to).

Yes, they may cut individual daycare centers for next SY or after. Unfortunately we do not know for sure.

What I do know is that for next SY PK in public schools are safe.

[Anonymous]

I wouldn't be surprised if they cut the free DCPS afterschool program since that $ is federal money.