Preschool Enrollment

Preschool enrollment for the 2023-2024 school year opens March 1, 2023. 

To be eligible for the 2023-2024 preschool program:

• The child must live in the City of Richmond

• The child must be 3 or 4 years old by September 30, 2023

• Eligibility is determined based on the family’s income and at-risk factors found on the online application

Required documents:

• Child’s original birth certificate or a certified copy: children need to turn 3 or 4 years old on or before September 30, 2023. You will be contacted to bring the birth certificate for in-person verification.

• Proof of income: 2022 W-2, letter from employer on company letterhead indicating parent/guardian name and weekly income, a recent pay stub, Notice of Action from Department of Social Services, TANF verification, SSI verification, child support court documents, SNAP verification, or 1040 tax form.

• Two proofs of address: U.S. or Virginia income tax return from the previous year, U.S. Internal Revenue Service tax reporting W-2 form from the current year or its equivalent, deed or lease agreement to the residence, mortgage bill for the residence, voter registration card, receipt for personal property taxes paid within the last year, payroll check or payroll stub issued by an employer within the last three months, notarized shared housing form for families renting a room or living with relatives or friends and utility bill and/or parent/guardian photo ID with the same address. DO NOT use a phone bill or any other regular mail.

• Up to date immunization records and physical (performed within the 12 months before the first day of school).

Complete a preschool application:

Starting March 1, 2023 go to attendrvaschools.com to complete your application. Click here for a list of required documents.  

Families enrolling a student in RPS for the first time will need to create an account when they first visit. Returning families should use the same login information used for enrollment or school applications of other children. Watch a quick video on how to create an account.

Await preschool placement decision:

RPS Preschool applications are processed by our Early Childhood Education Department to determine eligibility and appropriate school placement. If your child is placed, you will receive an email notifying you of next steps to complete the enrollment process.

Need additional support?

Our school staff members are excited to support you with the enrollment process, and we look forward to welcoming you and your child next school year! 

If you need additional assistance with the online form, please send us an email to preschool@rvaschools.net.

Do I need to re-enroll my child if he/she is a current preschool student?
Current preschool families that qualify for the 2023-2024 school year will receive an “intent to return form” to re-enroll. Please contact your preschool for more information.

Is my child eligible for preschool?

• The child must live in the City of Richmond

• The child must be 3 or 4 years old by September 30, 2023

• Eligibility is determined based on the family’s income and at-risk factors 

A completed online application is required to initiate the preschool enrollment process. 

When would I know if my child was accepted?
Preschool enrollment opens March 1, 2023. The sooner you complete your online application and provide all the necessary documents, the sooner you will receive a response form the program.

Is there any cost for preschool?
Preschool is free and includes breakfast and lunch for all students.

When does preschool start?
RPS Preschool follows the Richmond Public Schools calendar.

Is preschool a half-day or full-day program?
RPS preschool is a full-day program, Monday through Friday.

Where will my child attend school?
Students are enrolled in their zoned preschool classrooms. If your zone school is full at the time of enrollment, the student will be placed at the next available/closest location. 

Does preschool provide transportation?
RPS preschool provides transportation to students attending their zoned school.

Do I need to buy school supplies?
RPS Preschool will provide students with all the materials needed (books, journals, pencils, crayons, playdough, scissors, etc.).  

Can my child with disabilities attend preschool?
Parents/guardians of children with special needs are encouraged to apply.