Pre-K Programs

Apply for Pre-K Schools in Kansas City

  • Make sure you know what information each school requires
  • Be clear about any deadlines that need to be met
  • Check to see if you qualify for free and reduced lunch. Many Kansas City families who do qualify receive priority.
  • Many Pre-K classrooms feed into kindergarten. When applying to schools check if your preferred kindergarten offers Pre-K.
  • Plan a visit! After you’ve narrowed your choices to two or three, set up a visit.

Key Documents Most Schools Require

  • Completed application*
  • Birth Certificate
  • Current Immunization Record or Religious Exemption Statement
  • Proof of Address (also called “Proof of Residency”)
  • Parent or guardian photo ID

*Additional information may be required

KCPS Pre-K

Apply

Apply online on the KCPS website

Initial applications for Pre-K open on November 8, 2025. The initial application period closes on February 13, 2026.

Families will receive their notifications via email the week of February 23. If families miss the February 13 deadline, they will be added to a waitlist on a first-come, first-served basis.

All KCPS Pre-K is no-tuition.

Submit applications online or in-person at the Board of Education building, 2901 Troost Ave., Kansas City, MO 64109. Applications CANNOT be submitted at schools.

Charter Schools

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On-site Pre-K

A number of charter schools offer free, on-site Pre-K. To apply, visit the school’s website.

Off-site Pre-K

A number of charter schools offer off-site Pre-K at cooperating early childhood centers. To enroll, families must qualify for free and reduced lunch. The application opens on November 8, 2025 and the deadline to apply is March 1, 2026. You can still submit applications after the deadline. Families will be added to the waitlist in the order applications are recieved.

If you qualify for and receive a spot in one of these Pre-K classes, you will be guaranteed a kindergarten spot in that charter school the following year.

Participating schools include:

  • Académie Lafayette
  • Allen Village
  • Genesis School
  • Hogan Preparatory Academy
  • Lee A. Tolbert
  • Crossroads Academy
  • Citizens of the World
  • University Academy
  • KC International Academy

For more information visit kcprekcooperative.org.

Additional Pre-K Options

Search

Faith-based and independent private schools have their own unique applications. To learn more, contact each school’s admissions coordinator for enrollment questions.

For Head Start programs, please contact MARC. They accept applications on a rolling basis for children up to age 5 and pregnant women. You can call 816-841-3382 or email MARCheadstart@marc.org for more information.

ChildCare Aware is a comprehensive list compiled by the state of Missouri which includes early childhood centers, preschools connected to schools, faith-based, comunity-based, in-home providers, and more.

Our enhanced service will provide personalized child care search, expert guidance on what quality child care entails, and customized reports based on your requirements, saving you precious time. For more information: Visit: https://mochildcareaware.org/child-care-search/

Email: concierge@mochildcareaware.org  call: 314-535-1458.

Child Care Subsidy- The State of Missouri offers special pricing or assistance with childcare payment for eligible families based on household size and income. For more information on eligibility and to apply, visit the Office of Childhood Success

https://childcare.mo.gov/parent/s/programs