Below are frequently asked questions pertaining to enrollment. If you have additional questions, please email enrollrps@rvaschools.net.
My child already attends an RPS Preschool. Do I need to enroll again?
No. Students who were admitted to RPS Preschool as a three-year-old may continue as a four-year-old without re-enrolling.
What school zone do I live in?
Each residence in the city of Richmond has a zoned school at the elementary (K-5), middle (6-8), and high school (9-12) levels. School zones are based upon the physical address where that student lives. Locate your child's school by address. While preschool applications will populate a zone school in our online enrollment system, final placements may differ based on student eligibility and seat availability.
What documents do I need to provide when enrolling my child?
You will need your child’s original birth certificate (or a certified copy), immunization record, and proof of a physical (within the last 12 months). Parents must provide two proofs of city residency per Richmond School Board Policy 8-2.2 (more information about acceptable documents is below). For preschool enrollment, proof of income is also required.
These documents are not required to complete the online enrollment form, but will be required before you complete the process. If you do not have access to these documents when completing online enrollment, you will need to upload them at a later date or bring the documents to the school in person by making an appointment. For next steps with enrollment, please reach out to your students' new school.
The birth certificate (or certified copy) must be provided in person. Upon completion of your online enrollment form, someone from your school will contact you to schedule an appointment to bring this document.
What counts as a proof of residency document?
Per School Board Policy 8-2.2, acceptable forms of proof of residence shall include, but not be limited to, two or more of the following, which reflect the physical address of the resident:
- A U.S. or Virginia income tax return from the previous year
- A U.S. Internal Revenue Service tax reporting W-2 form from the current year or its equivalent
- A deed or lease agreement to the residence, a mortgage bill for the residence
- A voter registration card, a receipt for personal property taxes paid within the last year and/or a payroll check or payroll check stub issued by an employer within the last three months.
- A utility bill will be accepted, and will be counted as one of the two proofs of residence, only if the utility bill is presented in conjunction with a lease or mortgage bill that shows the same address as the utility bill and is in the same name as the person enrolling the student (pre-marriage names will be accepted if a picture I.D. is presented).
Additionally, a driver’s license or Virginia state issued identification card will be accepted, and will be counted as one of the two proofs of residence, only if the driver’s license or Virginia state issued I.D. is presented in conjunction with a lease or mortgage bill that shows the same address as the driver’s license or Virginia state issued I.D and is in the same name as the person enrolling the student (pre-marriage names will be accepted since a picture I.D. is being presented.)
For more on special circumstances surrounding residency and admissions, please consult RPS Board Policy 8-2.2; for more information about enrollment documents, click here.
What counts as a proof of income document?
Documentation of proof of income for preschool applications include the following:
- 2021 W-2
- Letter from employer on company letterhead indicating parent name and income
- A recent pay stub
- Notice of Action from Department of Social Services
- TANF verification
- SSI verification
- Child Support court documents.
- Proof of receipt of SNAP benefits (for example, a copy of notice of approval, other documentation of eligibility from the SNAP agency, or Electronic Benefit Transfer [EBT] card with SNAP ID number)
- 1040 tax form
How can I choose a school other than my zone school for my child to attend?
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. Head Start families will be contacted to discuss additional needs and options. Visit our preschools for a complete list of locations and the zoned school locator.
Is there any cost for preschool?
No, preschool is free and includes breakfast and lunch for all students.
When does preschool start?
For school year 2022-2023, preschool begins Monday, August 29, 2022.
Is preschool a half-day or full-day program?
RPS preschool is a full-day program, Monday through Friday.
Does preschool provide transportation?
RPS preschool provides transportation to students’ zoned schools. Limited transportation may be available for Head Start children attending a location outside the zoned school.
Do I need to buy school supplies?
No, RPS Preschool will provide students with all the materials needed (books, journals, pencils, crayons, playdough, scissors, etc.).
Can my child with disabilities attend preschool?
Yes, parents/guardians of children with special needs are encouraged to apply.