UCPS Title I schools offer a full-day Pre-K program at no cost that emphasizes literacy and prepares children for kindergarten. This enriching program is free for qualifying children and available at eight of our nine Title I schools. Classes are small, with a maximum of 18 students, ensuring individualized attention. We are no longer accepting applications for the 2024-2025 school year.

• 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. Families may qualify if the following condition is met:

• The Brigance Early Childhood Assessment will be conducted as part of the screening process for eligibility. 

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, 2024. 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.  To access NCPrek Applications click on the link below.

Alliance for Children NCPrek Applications 

• Indian Trail Elementary: 7:30 a.m. to 2 p.m
• Walter Bickett Education Center: 7 a.m. to 1:50 p.m.
• Waxhaw Elementary: 7:30 a.m. to 2 p.m

Eligible children must be four years old on or by Aug. 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 still qualify if any of the following conditions are met. To apply, complete the NC Pre-K application via Scribbles, supply all required documents, and include documentation for one or more of the following:

• The child’s family usually speaks another language at home (verified by the parent on the application form).
• The child has identified disability (the family will provide documentation from the child’s doctor with the application packet)
• The child has a chronic health condition (the family will provide documentation from the child’s doctor with the application packet).
• Identified developmental or educational needs (family will provide Individualized Educational Plan (IEP) or service support plan from the provider).
• Children with a parent who is active-duty military or disabled from military service are eligible regardless of income (military documentation (LES) is required with the application packet).
• If the family is eligible, placement will occur after income-eligible children have been assigned. This occurs in August, or later in the school year.

• 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

In the Pre-K Peer Pals program, children with and without special needs learn together. Located in select elementary schools across the county, it offers a blend of inclusivity and growth. Before and after-school care is not available on-site. The program operates based on the UCPS calendar, either traditional or year-round, depending on the school’s schedule. There is a monthly fee of $275 for the program. We are no longer accepting applications for this option.

• Indian Trail Elementary: 7:00 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
• Marvin Elementary: 7:30 a.m. – 2 p.m. 
• New Town Elementary: 7:30 a.m. – 2 p.m. 
• Porter Ridge Elementary: 7:30 a.m. – 2 p.m. 
• Sardis Elementary: 8:15 a.m. – 2:45 p.m.
• Shiloh Valley Primary: 7:30 a.m. – 2 p.m. 
• Unionville Elementary: 7:30 a.m. – 2 p.m. 
• Waxhaw Elementary: 7:30 a.m. – 2 p.m. 
• Weddington Elementary: 7:30 a.m. – 2 p.m. 
• Walter Bickett Education Center: 7 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.

• Applicants must be four years old on or before Aug. 31 of the current year.
• Applicants must be fully potty-trained.
• Families must provide transportation.

The Exceptional Children’s option is for children aged three to five who have undergone evaluations, qualify for special education and need specialized instruction to address their unique needs due to a disability. The program is free of charge and does not require an application in Scribbles. Admission is based on decisions made by an IEP team and does not guarantee full-time enrollment.

• East Elementary: 7:30 a.m. - 2 p.m. 
• Hemby Bridge Elementary: 7:30 a.m. - 2 p.m.
• Indian Trail Elementary: 7:00 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
• Marvin Elementary: 7:30 a.m. – 2 p.m.
• New Town Elementary: 7:30 a.m. – 2 p.m.
• Porter Ridge Elementary: 7:30 a.m. – 2 p.m.
• Sardis Elementary: 8:15 a.m. – 2:45 p.m.
• Shiloh Valley Elementary: 7:25 a.m. - 1:55 p.m.
• Shiloh Valley Primary: 7:30 a.m. – 2 p.m.
• Unionville Elementary: 7:30 a.m. – 2 p.m.
• Waxhaw Elementary: 7:30 a.m. – 2 p.m.
• Weddington Elementary: 7:30 a.m. – 2 p.m.
• Wingate Elementary: 7:30 a.m. - 2 p.m.
• Walter Bickett Education Center: 7:00 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.

• Proof of Residence (two forms required)
• Name and Date of Birth Verification (one form required)
• Individualized Educational Plan/Medical/Psychological Documentation