More questions? Need help with enrollment? Call or text 832-201-6398

How To Enroll

You can enroll your child in pre-K starting in the spring. To get the best chance of enrolling in your top choice school, start the process as early as possible.

You have plenty of options when it comes to finding a high-quality pre-K near you. And it’s completely free if you meet income or language requirements. Before you choose a school, find out if you qualify for free pre-K and what your options are.

Step 1: Find out if you qualify for free pre-K

You could qualify for FREE pre-K if you are eligible. To find out, take the eligibility quiz.

Step 2: Find your program

If you qualify for free pre-K and live anywhere in Greater Houston or Harris County, there’s a free, quality pre-K program near you. Scroll down to see information on each district and Head Start program below, which both offer free pre-K. Don’t know which district you’re zoned to? 

Type your address into our map to see schools nearby. 

Note: If you don’t qualify for free pre-K, you still have options! Check below if your district offers a tuition program. You can also find more information below on private pre-K programs.

Step 3: Make a list of your favorite schools

Think about your needs as a family, whether that’s half-day or full-day options, aftercare, a bus service, school meals or programs for learning English.

Note: Every school is different, and their times and offerings can change, especially during the pandemic. Once you have your list, call the school or visit their website to double-check the details.

Step 4: Gather your documents

To be able to show that you meet one or more of these criteria, you’ll need to fill out some paperwork. No one will ask you or your child about your citizenship status. This paperwork is so that we can get you approved for free pre-K and all children and families are welcome!

Find out what documents you need to get started.

Step 5: Enroll your child in pre-K!

You can enroll online or call your district to enroll. In some cases, you can make an appointment to enroll in-person.

Note: Every school district has a different process for enrollment. If you get overwhelmed, don’t worry. There’s a dedicated call center for helping you understand how it all works. (And we speak Spanish!)

I want to learn more about how to enroll in:

PUBLIC SCHOOL PRE-K

Every public school district offers a free pre-K program for 4-year-olds that qualify. Learn more about your district’s pre-K offerings and how to enroll below.

Traditional Public School Districts

Pre-K Programs: 
4-year-old, full-day
3-year-old at select schools

Is there a tuition option?
No

Where do I start?
You can start the enrollment process online. Click here to go to Aldine ISD’s website to get started.

When can I enroll?
Enrollment opens on February 27, 2023.

Questions? Need help with enrolling?
Click here to get in touch with an Aldine ISD representative who can help.

Pre-K Programs: 
4-year-old, full-day

Is there a tuition option?
Yes

Where do I start?
You can start the enrollment process online. Click here to go to Alief ISD’s website to get started.

When can I enroll?
Enrollment is open now.

Questions? Need help with enrolling?
Email Yvonne.Harper@aliefisd.net or call 281-498-8110 ext. 83100.

Pre-K Programs:
4-year-old, full-day

Is there a tuition option?
No

Where do I start?
Channelview ISD has one early childhood center that serves all students. You can start the enrollment process on the Channelview ISD website here.

Steps to enroll:

  1. Attend pre-registration in May
  2. Attend scheduled registration appointment with enrollment packet
  3. Attend finalization appointment
  4. Attend “Meet the Teacher” before the first day of school

When can I enroll?
Registration opens in May for the 2023-24 school year.

Questions? Need help with enrolling?
Call 281-860-3827 or email blecc.registration@cvisd.org

Pre-K Programs:
4-year-old, full-day
3-year-old, half-day

Is there a tuition option?
No

Where do I start?
Go to the Galena Park ISD website here to start your application. Click on the “New Student Enrollment Link”

When can I enroll?
Registration opens on April 12, 2023.

Questions? Need help with enrolling?
Call 832-386-1188. Email prekinfo@galenaparkisd.com.

Pre-K Programs:
4-year-old, full-day
3-year-old, full-day

Is there a tuition option?
Yes

Where do I start?
Start the enrollment process online by clicking here. You will then receive a notification from the campus to complete the process.

When can I enroll?
Online registration opens on April 5, 2023 for the 2023-24 school year.

Questions? Need help with enrolling?
Call 713-556-6734 or email SchoolChoice@houstonisd.org

 

Pre-K Programs:
4-year-old, full-day

Is there a tuition option?
Only for Klein ISD employees

Where do I start?
Start the online enrollment process here. After completing the online forms, someone from your campus will contact you to complete the enrollment process.

When can I enroll?
Online registration will begin March 1, 2023.

Questions? Need help with enrolling?
Call 832-249-4492 or email earlychildhood@kleinisd.net

Pre-K Programs:
4-year-old, full-day

Is there a tuition option?
Yes

Where do I start?
You can start the enrollment process online beginning April 3rd. Click Here to go to our Prekindergarten Webpage.

When can I enroll?
Online registration opens on April 3, 2023 for the 2023-2024 school year. Click Here to go to our Prekindergarten Webpage.

Questions? Need help with enrolling?
Call 713-740-0058 or Contact your zoned campus. Click Here to go to our Prekindergarten Webpage and see how to contact your zoned campus.

Pre-K Programs:
4-year-old, full-day

Is there a tuition option?
Sheldon ISD pre-K is open to all 4-year-olds for free.

Where do I start?
Go to the Sheldon ISD website here to start enrolling online.

When can I enroll?
Online registration is now open for the 2023-24 school year.

Questions? Need help with enrolling?
Find your campus here and contact your campus with questions.

Pre-K Programs:
4-year-old, full-day
3-year-old, half-day

Is there a tuition option?
Yes, this district offers a tuition option for families with 4-year-olds that do not qualify for free pre-K.

Where do I start?
Go the Spring Branch ISD website here to start your application online. After completing online forms, someone from your campus will contact you to complete the enrollment process.

When can I enroll?
Online registration opens April 10, 2023.

Questions? Need help with enrolling?
Call 713-251-2040 or click here to send an email.

Pre-K Programs:
4-year-old, full-day

Is there a tuition option?
Spring ISD pre-K is open to all 4-year-olds for free.

Where do I start?
Go the Spring ISD website here to enroll online. In-person appointments to enroll are available upon request.

When can I enroll?
Pre-K Round Up begins in April 3-21 for the 2023-24 school year.

Join us on April 22 from 10-2 for Spring ISD’s Pre-K Fest

Questions? Need help with enrolling?
Call 713-251-2040

Charter Public School Districts

Pre-K Programs:
Half-Day Pre-K3 (AM / PM) and Full-Day Pre-K4

Is there a tuition option?
Students not eligible for free Pre-K will be asked to pay tuition, if space is available.

Where do I start?
Learn more about our Houston Pre-K programs at kipptexas.org/pre-k! Here, you can complete your application online, read our FAQs, or contact an enrollment team member for assistance.

When can I enroll?
Applications are now open for the 2023-24 school year! Don’t wait – limited seats available. Apply Now!

Questions? Need help with enrolling?
Get in contact with a Houston student recruitment and enrollment team member at 832-602-2935 or ApplyHouston@kipptexas.org.

Pre-K Programs:
Full Day PK4

Is there a tuition option?
No

Where do I start?
Additional information can be found via the YES

Prep website at: https://www.yesprep.org/schools/elementary/pre-k-at-yes

When can I enroll?
Interested families should apply via our SchoolMint enrollment site at: https://yesprep.schoolmint.com/login

Questions? Need help with enrolling?
Please contact us at lottery@yesprep.org

Pre-K Programs:
Full Day Pre-K 3 and 4 year old

Is there a tuition option?
No

Where do I start?
Additional information can be found at https://www.bakerripleycommunityschools.com/page/enrollment or please email enrollment@bakerripley.org for further information.

When can I enroll?
Interested families should apply via our SchoolMint enrollment site at:
https://neighborhoodcenters.schoolmint.net/signin

Questions? Need help with enrolling?
Please contact us at enrollment@bakerripley.org

Pre-K Programs:
Full day PK4 program. 7:30a.m -3:30p.m

Is there a tuition option?
We offer a tuition-free Pre-K program for students who meet the eligibility requirements determined by the state of Texas. Elevate Collegiate will verify a student’s eligibility during the enrollment and re-enrollment process (returning students) for Pre-K. This process begins on March 1, 2023. Students not eligible for free Pre-K will be notified.

Where do I start?
Additional Information on our PK4 program can be found on our school website. Click here to access our school webpage or email info@elevatecollegiate.org for more information.

When can I enroll?
We are currently enrolling PK4students for the 2023-2024 school year and would love to welcome you and your child to the Elevate family! Complete and submit the Enrollment Form here, which will take less than 5 minutes, to secure your child’s spot and also to receive 1 FREE uniform shirt for next year!

Questions? Need help with enrolling?
Please call or email us at (346)234-1434 info@elevatecollegiate.org

Pre-K Programs:
3-year-old, full day
4-year-old, full-day

Is there a tuition option?
Students not eligible for free Pre-K will be asked to pay tuition, if space is available.

Where do I start?
You can start the enrollment process online. Click here to get started.

When can I enroll?
Online registration is now open for the 2023-24 school year.

Questions? Need help with enrolling?
Please contact Ramiro Fonseca at ramiro.fonseca@tejanocenter.org or at 713-640-3796.

Head Start Pre-K

Head Start offers free pre-K programs. The following programs have Head Start Centers, as well as Early Head Start for younger students too! If you are interested in enrolling your child in a Head Start program, you can look here to find Head Start programs near you.

Pre-K Programs:
4-year-old, full-day
3-year-old, full-day

Is there a tuition option?
No

Where do I start?
Call 713-273-3202 to learn more about enrolling in Head Start or Early Head Start. You can visit the website for a list of locations here.

When can I enroll?
Registration opens April 25, 2023.

Questions? Need help with enrolling?
Call 713-273-3202 or email mvega@bakerripley.org.

Pre-K Programs:
4-year-old, full-day
3-year-old, full-day

Is there a tuition option?
No

Where do I start?
Go to AVANCE’s website here to start the enrollment process. Click on the form, create a login, and complete the application.

Call 713-812-0033 Ext 142 or 162 to learn more about the enrollment process.

When can I enroll?
Online registration opens on April 4, 2023.

Questions? Need help with enrolling?
Contact Glenda Collazo-Leon at gcollazo@avancehouston.org or Silvia Puente at sepuente@avancehouston.org.

Pre-K Programs:
4-year-old, full-day
3-year-old, full-day

Is there a tuition option?
No

Where do I start?
Start the application online by clicking here:

English: Submit an application for HCDE Head Start

Spanish: Envíe una solicitud para HCDE Head Start

You will receive a confirmation email when you complete the first step of the application process. After you receive the confirmation email, Head Start staff will contact you and assist you to complete the rest of the process.

When can I enroll?
Enrollment begins on May 1, 2023

Questions? Need help with enrolling?
Call 713-672-9343

Additional Notes: Enrollment for the 2022-2023 school year is open through April 24, 2023. HCDE also has infant and toddler programs at certain campuses. For more information visit our website at HCDE Head Start and Early Head Start or call the phone number above.

Pre-K Programs:
4-year-old, full-day
3-year-old, full-day

Is there a tuition option?
No

Where do I start?
Call 832-389-2840 or visit http://gccsa.appointment.works/hs
A staff will contact you directly to complete an application after you have submitted an inquiry.

When can I enroll?
Enrollment opens on April 2023.

Questions? Need help with enrolling?
Call 832-389-2840

Additional Notes: For more information visit https://www.gccsa.org/head-start-early-head-start

Private Pre-K

There are a variety of private pre-K providers. Below is information on pre-K programs offered by the YMCA. For a more comprehensive list of private pre-K options, you can visit Collaborative for Children’s website by clicking below. (Note: While these programs are not free, you may qualify for financial aid that can help pay for a private pre-K program. Click here to learn more about financial aid offered by Workforce Solutions.)

Pre-K Programs:

4-year-old, full-day & some half-day

3-year-old, full-day & some half-day

How much does it cost?

The cost varies by program. The cost per program can be found on the YMCA’s website here

There are opportunities for financial assistance. To learn more, email childrensacademy@ymcahouston.org

Where are programs located?

YMCA programs are located in the following zipcodes: 77008, 77340, 77070, 77009, 77021, 77049, 77057, 77381

Where do I start?

Go to the YMCA’s website here to explore the different locations and programs and register online.

When can I enroll?

Online registration is now open.

Questions? Need help with enrolling?

Email childrensacademy@ymcahouston.org.