-
Childhood is a Journey, Not a Race: Pre-K in WCS
The Pre-Kindergarten program is designed to help children prepare for kindergarten and succeed in the school environment. Success is achieved through developmentally appropriate instructional activities by highly qualified Pre-K teachers. The program serves children who will be four (4) years of age on or before August 15.
The Pre-K classes use the Connect4Learning curriculum. The program focuses on all areas of development literacy, cognitive, math, language, social studies, science, fine/gross motor, and social-emotional skills. The Pre-K classes follow the Pyramid Model to provide a positive learning environment for all.
-
Apply for WCS Pre-Kindergarten Today
Enrollment applications are now available for Williamson County Schools Pre-Kindergarten classes. To be considered, complete and submit the form below.
- Children must be four (4) years of age on or before August 15 of the current year.
- Priority Placement is given to children whose family qualify as economically disadvantaged. Household Income Eligibility guidelines are established by the TN Department of Early Learning.
- Mobile phones and devices are not recommended for completing this form. Please use a computer or laptop to complete the application for submission.
For more information about the WCS Pre-K program, please call (615) 472-4140 or email our Pre-K Department.
For more information about the WCS Early Childhood Peer Program, visit the WCS EC Peer Program web page.





Pre-Kindergarten FAQ
-
What is the voluntary Pre-K program?
The Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten Program (VPK) is a state funded readiness program for at-risk children who are four (4) years of age on August 15. “At-risk” is defined by the state as economically disadvantaged. Other “at-risk” factors which may be used to determine eligibility may include but are not limited to: English as a Second Language, foster care, social-emotional behaviors, and family/environmental factors. Due to state funding, there are limited classrooms available in Williamson County – priority placement is given to families that are economically disadvantaged. The VPK program provides a foundation for learning and successful transition to the school environment.
-
Who may apply for the Pre-K class?
Parents/Legal Guardians of children who are four (4) years of age on or before August 15 and are zoned for Williamson County Schools.
-
What if I currently do not have a Williamson County residence but my family is planning to move to Williamson County?
Families may complete an application with their current residential address (street, city, state, zip code). In the additional information section of the application, parents will need toprovide the approximate move date and the Williamson County residential address if known. Parents may also state additional information regarding the relocation. Families may complete the application process but will be kept “on hold”. Once the family has moved and resides in Williamson County, a placement decision will be provided.
-
How do I apply for the Pre-K program?
All applications are submitted online on the Williamson County Schools District website.
-
What happens next, after I turn in the application for my child?
After you submit your child/children’s application, your application will be reviewed based on the eligibility guidelines set by the Tennessee Department of Early Learning. You will be sent an email with instructions on how to complete the Income Verification step in the application process.
-
What if I have multiple children who are age-eligible for the Pre-K program?
In the case of multiple children, complete an application for each child. All applications will be considered for placement. More than one application submitted for the same child will only hinder the application process.
-
What if I choose to wait and start my child in kindergarten at the age of 6? Would he/she be able to attend the Pre-K class at age 5?
No, the Pre-K program is only available for children who are four (4) years of age on or before August 15, using the birthdate guidelines. This is a Tennessee State Law for all Voluntary Pre-K programs (VPK).
-
Is it first come, first serve on the application?
No, every application will be reviewed for eligibility, but all interested parents are encouraged to turn in applications as soon as possible to be considered for enrollment.
-
When will I know if my child is accepted into the class?
Upon completion of the Income Verification process, families will be notified of an eligibility decision by EMAIL. If a child has been accepted and placed in a VPK classroom, the email will state which school location your child has been selected to attend for Pre-K. Every effort is made to place the child at a school closest to the child’s home. You will be able to confirm your acceptance to the class list or you may deny your child’s placement and participation in the program. The acceptance letter will contain information concerning enrollment procedures to confirm your child’s place in the class. You will also be notified if your child does not meet the income eligibility for acceptance into a Pre-K classroom.
-
Does every elementary school have a Pre-K class?
No, the TN State Department of Education does not provide enough funding for a pre-k program in every elementary school in our county.
-
Which schools have a Pre-K class?
Pre-K classes are housed inside elementary schools throughout the Williamson County Schools District. Each school year, the locations are determined based on the applications received and the needs of the district as well as space availability within the elementary schools. Pre-K classes may be moved from one school to another to best serve the families of Williamson County.
-
What determines eligibility for children to be accepted into the class?
Priority placement for classes is given to children of families who are eligible due to financial need. If after all income eligible students are placed and space is still available, additional applicants are considered for placement based on his/her individual need. Every effort is made to place the child at his/her kindergarten zoned school but if not available then the child is placed at a Pre-K school closest to their home.
-
What is considered “need” for the Pre-K class?
All children develop differently therefore children’s needs are also defined differently. A child may need help in social areas, emotional development, academic preparation, or environmental stability. There are many factors which determine a child’s success in school.
-
Do the Pre-K classes use peer models?
No, all of the children enrolled in the Pre-K classes qualify for the program through the eligibility guidelines set by the TN Department of Early Learning. The WCS Student Support Services Department offers an Early Childhood Program for children ages 3-5 which does include peer models. The Early Childhood program has morning and afternoon classes which meet on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday. For information regarding the Early Childhood Peer program please visit the Early Learning webpage.
-
What if I have concerns about my child’s development?
Williamson County, in compliance with federal and state law, provides a service called Child Find. Child Find is a screening to find children who live within the district, who may need special education services and support.