Blount County Schools

What is VPK?

Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten provides students with a running start as they prepare to enter kindergarten the following year.  The goal of Pre-K is to develop and encourage a love of learning.  We focus on the needs of young students in all areas of development including language, early literacy, math, science, social studies, the arts, physical development and healthy living.  Each VPK class is a five day a week program that lasts at least 5 1/2 hours. 

VPK Class Locations in Blount County Schools

How Do I Apply for PreK?

Applications will be available beginning on Registration Day: April 5, 2024.  Check out the requirements listed below to get started.

Requirements for Applying for Voluntary Pre-K

PROOF OF INCOME

Families must meet income eligibility guidelines similar to free and reduced lunch requirements to participate. 

Please provide one of the following: Current Income Tax Return, 3 months of pay stubs, or Food Stamp Eligibility Verification Letter, Letter Showing Active Military Status, Letter that you are a Migrant Worker, Foster Child Paperwork

AGE REQUIREMENT

Tennessee law requires all students must be 4 years of age before August 15 for the current school year before they can enroll in Pre-K.

UP-TO-DATE TENNESSEE PRESCHOOL IMMUNIZATION RECORD

State law and BCS Policy requires all students entering preschool to have a valid Tennessee Department of Health Certificate of Immunization to enroll or attend school. Students without required immunization documentation (or exemption documentation) will not be able to start school.

PHYSICAL EXAMINATIONS

CERTIFIED BIRTH CERTIFICATE
This needs to be a certified certificate obtained from the state of Tennessee, not the Mother’s copy.

PROOF OF RESIDENCE

Mortgage statement, rental agreement, tax statement or utility bill

PROOF OF GUARDIANSHIP/CUSTODY

Only if necessary

APPLICATION DOES NOT GUARANTEE A SPOT FOR YOUR STUDENT.
STUDENTS WILL BE CHOSEN BASED ON AREAS OF MOST NEED.

SPACE IS LIMITED

There is only space for 20 qualifying students at each school. Not all students who apply will be accepted. Parents will be notified by May 31, 2024 of the status of their student's application. (accepted, on waiting list, need more info to determine qualification or does not qualify).

HOME VISITS AND OPEN HOUSE

Pre-K classes begin for students on August 12, 2024, with a staggered start for the first week. Teachers will use the first week of the BCS school year for making home visits and hold an Open House that serves as the required pre-placement visit. Dates and times for the Home Visit and Open House will be communicated when you are notified of placement by May 31, 2024. The Open House and Home Visit are Mandatory. All classes are at least 6 hours long, 5 days a week and follow the BCS Calendar. Start and end times vary by school.

*Families whose income exceeds the requirements may be considered after September 1 if there are spaces available and are welcome to apply.