Pre-K Program Application Process

Pre-K classes include children who indicate need for school readiness, are four years of age on or before August 31, 2008, and may not be age eligible for kindergarten. Children must reside parents/guardians in Guilford County to be considered for placement. Children who qualify for pre-K services are offered placement in classrooms based on greatest need for school readiness. To determine if your child is eligible for the preschool program for school year 2008-09 parents/guardians must complete the pre-K screening process with your child. 

Annual pre-K application period: February 9-April 18, 2008

Applications are available during the application period at the Guilford County Schools Magnet Fair, district offices and elementary schools, the GCS webpage, Guilford County's health and social services departments, and at various community partner locations including Guilford Child Development and Guilford Partnership for Children. Pre-K applications for screening appointments will be accepted beginning February 9 at the GCS Magnet Fair. To be assigned a screening appointment you must return your application to the GCS Pre-K office by the April 18, 2008, deadline.

Pre-K screening appointment

Parents/guardians who complete and return an application form during the application period will receive a letter notifying you of the date, time and site for your child's screening appointment. At the screening appointment, your child will be screened for school readiness using a developmental assessment. Parents/guardians will learn about Guilford County Schools developmental pre-K program as well as other community resources available to four year olds in Guilford County and may supply additional information which will be helpful in considering placement of your child. You will need to bring a certified copy of your child’s birth certificate and proof of address in Guilford County. See New Student Information to review the list of documents you may use as proof of address.

Pre-K placement

Priority placement is based on need for school readiness after the children have completed the screening process.  Parents/guardians of children screened will receive a letter by US mail from the Preschool Office notifying you of the status of your child’s application by June 30. Parents/guardians of children offered placement must return the enrollment packet to the Pre-K Office to accept placement by July 15, 2008.

Pre-K classroom locations

Guilford County Schools serves 1160 four year olds in 75 developmental pre-K classrooms located in 48 elementary schools across Guilford County. Children offered pre-K placement are assigned to pre-K classrooms based on attendance zone for kindergarten. Information about attendance zones can be obtained by contacting the Student Assignment Office at 370-8303 or go to the GCS School locator . If there is not a pre-K classroom in your attendance zone elementary school, you may designate a school during the screening appointment where you would like your child to attend if offered pre-K placement.

Montessori Pre-K classrooms

Parents or guardians interested in Montessori schools where 4 year olds are enrolled should follow instructions for the Magnet School Application and deadline. Magnet Schools

For additional information please contact Linda Olinger, pre-K coordinator, at 336-370-2362 and by email at olingel@gcsnc.com