Houston Independent School District (HISD) is officially opening the pre-K application portal for the 2024-2025 academic year. This opportunity welcomes families within HISD boundaries with children 3- or 4-year-olds.
While free enrollment is available for economically disadvantaged or homeless families, all others must pay tuition, a small investment in the expansive knowledge landscape their little ones will traverse.
HISD Superintendent Mike Miles launched a $10 million initiative to expand pre-kindergarten enrollment. The goal is to add 500 seats by August 2025, accompanied by an intensive marketing campaign targeting parents seeking an educational haven for their youngsters.
Despite the absence of universal early childhood education in Texas, HISD is striving to bridge the gap. The state provides free pre-K programs for children facing linguistic challenges, economic disadvantages, homelessness, foster care situations, and those from military families. However, how pre-kindergarten operates varies across school districts in Texas. HISD has 159 elementary campuses and eight early childhood centers that host pre-K programs.
The initial application phase will conclude on April 22, with campus assignments communicated to families by May 10. Subsequently, Phase II, including the launch of waitlists, kicks off on May 10, requiring families to confirm their child’s placement by May 30. Parents are encouraged to upload all necessary documents, including birth certificates, proof of address, and eligibility proofs starting April 10.
The application process requires families to submit applications, regardless of whether they are eyeing their zoned school, magnet pre-K programs, or early childhood centers. HISD recommends parents rank up to 10 options for campuses.
These programs embrace English as a primary language and provide instructions for Spanish, Arabic, French, or Mandarin Chinese.
Virtual information sessions will take place on Zoom this week. For more information, contact the Pre-K department at earlychildhood@houstonisd.org or 713-556-4393.