Metro Nashville Public Schools Early Learning

Pre-K: Play-Based & Whole Child

Metro Schools’ early childhood education programs focus on a high-quality, play-based curriculum that supports the development of the whole child and prepares children for kindergarten.

Our pre-kindergarten curriculum is focused on the constructivist approach, which provides diverse learning classrooms where activities are driven by the students, and teachers encourage and support children to play and explore as a path to learning.

Our Pre-K curriculum focuses on all areas that are important for school success:

• Social-emotional
• Cognitive
• Math
• Literacy
• Physical
• Language
• Social Studies
• Science and Technology
• The Arts
  

Program Options and Services for Pre-K Families and Students

• Read about the MNPS Pre-K program options and locations.
• Take a look at the MNPS Pre-K Program Guide to learn more about school sites with a Pre-K program and the services each school offers.
• The Metro Schools Pre-K program provides support services, such as Extended Learning (Before and After Care), Nutrition Services, Family Engagement, Family Empowerment and Health services to support our Pre-K families and students.

Apply for Pre-K

• The application process for Pre-K is different from K-12 grades enrollment.
• There are eligibility requirements that must be considered, including immunization and school physical requirements, and a separate application is required
• A child must be 4 years old on or before August 15 of the current school year to apply for MNPS Pre-K.
  • Some MNPS Pre-K programs accept 3-year-olds. A child must be 3 years old on or before August 15 of the current school year to apply for these programs. Review the Pre-K Program Guide for program guidelines. During the selection process, 3-year-olds with birth dates between August 16 - September 30 will be given priority over all 3-year-old hold applicants. 
• For more information visit the Apply for Pre-K section.

Pre-K Program Fee Payment

Review the Pre-K Program Fee webpage for information on Pre-K program fees, payment information, submit an online payment and the tuition assistance program.

Student Delays & Disabilities

If families have concerns or questions about a Pre-K student's development, they can speak with the teacher, who will monitor growth. Visit the MNPS Exceptional Education webpages for more information. 

MNPS wants all age eligible students to apply for Pre-K. If your child meets the age requirements, please apply for a Pre-K seat. Pre-K is the best place for your child to grow and develop the skills needed for kindergarten.

Children Under the Age of 2.5

If your child is under the age of 2.5 years, and you have questions about their development contact the Tennessee Early Intervention System, which provides services to children ages birth up to age 3 who have disabilities or other developmental delays. For more information, visit the TEIS website or call (615) 532-7237.

Welcome to Pre-K Guide and Documents