Public pre-K

[Anonymous]

In reading the PGCPS website, I'm seeing conflicting information about whether admission is income based but allows room for in-zone kids if it's not full. Also, the official website for my neighborhood school says it's K-6, but I'm seeing several sources describe it as PK-6 and one even publishes the enrollment number for the PK class, so . . . anyway to know what's actually the case or get some information before I have a chance to just go tour the place? I'm in Mount Rainier for what it's worth, but hopefully there's a county wide resource on this?

[Anonymous]

My understanding is that it is income based (also ESOL or special needs). If you are in Mt. rainier, the prek is likely filled based, but some schools (I know Baden for certain) don't fill based on income and have a few available slots.

[Anonymous]

At our Title 1 school, the Pre-K class is totally filled by children who qualify based on low income. I know folks who's children are developmentally delayed and they get free Pre-K through the county but I the folks I know get bused to the specialty schools (Wheatly).
The schools web site might not be up to date. This year pre-K moved from one school to another school with little notice.
If you make more than the income cut off, I wouldn't count on public pre-K. There are Pre-K programs run through the county rec program (Smartlink) that might be worth exploring.

[Anonymous]

My twins went to pre-k at our local community center through the Parks Department. it was a wonderful program with loving teachers. I would not rush entering the county school system. Too many rules and requirements. Enjoy this time.

[Anonymous]

OP, my understanding, which could be wrong, is that public school preK has always had (low) income requirements, but if there were extra spots other kids could also enroll. But they weren't supposed to be doing that, and the school district has been cracking down on this happening. Reason being, if new kids who are eligible move into the area, they should get the spot.

[Anonymous]

And also, yes there is public school preK for some special ed students, and this is not income based. No children qualify for public school preK solely due to being ESOL students; they would need to qualify due to family income.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:And also, yes there is public school preK for some special ed students, and this is not income based. No children qualify for public school preK solely due to being ESOL students; they would need to qualify due to family income.

Interesting. I know of a family that got space for second language in a preK. They would not have qualified for income and it's in a region that has a huge need for low income spaces.