All Pre-K students must be 4 years old on or before August 15 of the intended school year, and a Davidson County resident. Some classrooms accept 3-year-olds. View the MNPS Pre-K program page for classrooms and locations with exceptions. 

Program Options

The Pre-K application opens at 10 a.m. March 2, 2026.

Families are encouraged to apply in March to be included in the initial Pre-K selection. 

Some Pre-K seats require a weekly fee based on a sliding scale. Depending on household income and family size, fees range from $0–$144 per child/week.

Before/after care is not included. Visit the Pre-K Program Fees page for more.

Metro Pre-K classrooms are funded in various ways (local/state). Funding sources determine if seats are free, fee-based, or income-restricted.

Pre-K Program Fees and Tuition Assistance

To determine eligibility for fee-based or income-restricted Pre-K seats.

MNPS operates four ELCs:

• Cambridge ELC
• Casa Azafrán ELC
• Ivanetta H. Davis ELC
• Ross ELC

These schools serve only Pre-K students and follow the MNPS Pre-K curriculum. 

These include children with and without disabilities. Class sizes are smaller and seats are limited.

The waitlist remains open for the entire school year. Families are contacted when spots become available. Families are encouraged to apply after the initial application period. 

Yes. Sibling, employee and zone preferences are applied if eligibility is met.

No bus transportation is provided unless required by an Individualized Education Program (IEP).

No. Head Start is a separate program. Call the Metro Action Commission at (615) 862-8860 for Head Start enrollment information.

You can use the Pre-K Options guide, check the Before and After Care page, or contact the schools directly.