How does Pre-K work for Arlington?

[Anonymous]

We are in Fairfax County and plan to move to Arlington in the next year or so before my almost 4 year old starts kindergarten in 2019 (she misses the age cut off in 2018). I'm hoping to learn more about how the pre-k process works and what the chances are that she would get a spot. Trying to figure out how hard/likely it is to get a pre-k spot as we consider whether to move this year or wait until we are closer to K. The APS website has very limited info. Thanks!

[Anonymous]

Are you looking for a HeadStart program?

[Anonymous]

Here's the info page from APS: https://www.apsva.us/early-childhood-prek/

My understanding (based on my own experience and anecdotes from others) is that if your child doesn't qualify for VPI, it's very difficult to get into a public pre-K program in Arlington. The only person I've known to get in already had their child receiving services through ChildFind, I don't know if that gives a boost as well.

[Anonymous]

I thought Pre-K in Arlington worked the same as Pre-K in Fairfax, which is that you find a private program that you like and pay for it. Enrollment usually starts in January or February, so you are starting to look around at the right time. For my first child, I didn't realize how early everything starts and only managed to get in off the waitlist in late August.

[Anonymous]

There's only pre k for the poor. Everyone else goes to preschool.

[Anonymous]

The County program is not free. You pay on a sliding scale, and there does seem to be very limited spots for anyone with money.

[Anonymous]

Lots of great private and church-affiliated preschools in Arlington. Pricey though.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Lots of great private and church-affiliated preschools in Arlington. Pricey though.

The full time ones are pricey. If you are only looking for part-time (most of these are 5 days a week, but run from 9-1 for pre-k), there are lots of options that are reasonably priced, especially if you are open to a church program, though the programs aren't terribly religious, at least ours isn't.

[Anonymous]

OP here. I know of several very casual acquaintances whose children go to APS pre-k. They are definitely not qualifying based on income or qualifying for Head Start. I didn't think Arlington was like DC w/ Pre K for all, but after hearing about a bunch of kids going to public pre K in Arlington I figured I would look into it a bit. My daughter is in a great full time pre school now but wanted to consider moving early if it meant possibly full day public pre-k. Thanks for letting me know!

[Anonymous]

The other "pre-K" option is Montessori. It's a lottery program, age 3-5. Kids in that can then opt to continue with Montessori for 1-5 at Drew or switch to their regular neighborhood school.

[Anonymous]

OP, are your friends in the Drew Montessori program? That starts at 3. They won't let a child in at 4.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP, are your friends in the Drew Montessori program? That starts at 3. They won't let a child in at 4.

There are multiple 3-5 Montessori programs, not just at Drew

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I thought Pre-K in Arlington worked the same as Pre-K in Fairfax, which is that you find a private program that you like and pay for it. Enrollment usually starts in January or February, so you are starting to look around at the right time. For my first child, I didn't realize how early everything starts and only managed to get in off the waitlist in late August.

What are you talking about?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I thought Pre-K in Arlington worked the same as Pre-K in Fairfax, which is that you find a private program that you like and pay for it. Enrollment usually starts in January or February, so you are starting to look around at the right time. For my first child, I didn't realize how early everything starts and only managed to get in off the waitlist in late August.

What are you talking about?

I thought that DC was the only area here with public pre-K and that in Arlington, as it is in Fairfax where I live, you send your preschoolers to private preschool. Other than the public Montessori at one ES in Arlington, other posters have confirmed that this is pretty much accurate.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I thought Pre-K in Arlington worked the same as Pre-K in Fairfax, which is that you find a private program that you like and pay for it. Enrollment usually starts in January or February, so you are starting to look around at the right time. For my first child, I didn't realize how early everything starts and only managed to get in off the waitlist in late August.

What are you talking about?

I thought that DC was the only area here with public pre-K and that in Arlington, as it is in Fairfax where I live, you send your preschoolers to private preschool. Other than the public Montessori at one ES in Arlington, other posters have confirmed that this is pretty much accurate.

APS offers Montessori for 3-5's for a fee at 8 elementary schools, not just Drew. You have to pay for the 3-4 yr old years and then the 5yr old year is free because it's kindergarten. I believe a certain number of slots are reserved for lower income families. The VPI preschool program (housed at other ESs) is primarily for lower income families.