• The 2023-2024 Voluntary Pre - K application is now available. Applications may be submitted via fax, email, or through the mail. Applications will be available at specific schools during our Round Up dates in April.


    Applying for Voluntary Pre-K

    Children must be 4 by August 15 to attend during the 2023-2024 school year. 

    Applications for Pre-Kindergarten classes will begin to be accepted in April of each school year. Applications can be submitted at any time throughout the year. Once our available spots are filled, applicants will be placed on a waiting list. Students may be accepted into our VPK program throughout the year as spaces become available. Brochures are available on our website regarding details about our Pre-K classes.

    Applications may be downloaded or you may have an application mailed to you by calling 865-594-1529 and requesting the application. Applications should also be available at your zoned school.

    The following items are needed to complete the application.  Please turn these in with the completed Income Verification Form and Application. We cannot complete the application process without all of the required documents.

    • Proof of residency in Knox County - Utility Statement, rent agreement, etc.
    • Copy of Food Stamp Reward Letter with Case Number 
    • Proof of income - W2 or Check Stub(s)
    • Pre-K Application (See Forms Section)
    • Income Eligibility Form (See Forms Section) 
  • Voluntary Pre-K Files


  • Registration Requirements

    Children entering the Pre-K programs shall be four years of age on or before August 15th of the current school year.  If a child has turned 5 on or before August 15th of the current year, they are eligible for kindergarten.  According to our funding requirements, they may not attend Pre-K if they have already turned 5.  

    The purpose of the program is to provide students residing in Knox County with a positive, developmentally appropriate, hands-on learning experience.

    Voluntary Pre-K Information:

    First priority will be given to those children who meet an income eligibility guideline.

    • An application process is used to determine those students most in need of the Pre-K program.
    • Families will be notified at least two weeks prior to the start of the program.  The families who are placed on a waiting list will be notified by mail.  
    • Students will enter on a staggered schedule designed by the classroom teacher (attending two days during the first 10 days of school).
    • Students must maintain a 95% attendance rate (see Attendance Policy).

     

    Other:

    If space is available, others may be enrolled who meet the following criteria:

    • Receive special education services.
    • Are non-English speakers.
    • Are in state custody.
    • Have a history of abuse/neglect.


    Following enrollment of the above students, others applications will be accepted as space permits.  These spaces will be filled after the 25th day of the school year.


  • Eligibility for Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten

    Children must be four years of age on or before August 15th of the current year. Students will be chosen based on a weighted application. The focus is to enroll students in the underserved population, which includes children identified as ‘at-risk’. At-risk factors include family income, family structure, and special family situations. (These areas are determined to meet the State Department of Education guidelines.)

    Typical at-risk factors include custody other than parent, single parent, foster care, homeless, below free and reduced lunch, above Head Start guidelines, no previous group experience, subsidized housing, special education services, limited English (ELL), divorce, deaths, criminal history, health problems, mental illness, teen parent, and family member incarcerated among other considerations. Each factor contributing to the at-risk nature of the student is considered.

  • 2023 Income Eligibilty Guidelines

    *Annual income levels reflect 185% of the 2023 US Health and Human Services Poverty Guidelines (https://aspe.hhs.gov/poverty-guidelines), equivalent to reduced priced lunch criteria.

     

    Household Size *Annual Income Monthly Twice a Month Every two weeks Weekly
               
    1 $26,973.00 $2,247.75 $1,123.88 $1,037.42 $518.71
    2 $36,482.00 $3,040.17 $1,520.08 $1,403.15 $701.58
    3 $45,991.00 $3,832.58 $1,916.29 $1,768.88 $884.44
    4 $55,500.00 $4,625.00 $2,312.50 $2,134.62 $1,067.31
    5 $65,009.00 $5,417.42 $2,708.71 $2,500.35 $1,250.17
    6 $74,518.00 $6,209.83 $3,104.92 $2,866.08 $1,433.04
    7 $84,207.00 $7,017.25 $3,508.63 $3,238.73 $1,619.37
    8 $93,536.00 $7,794.67 $3,897.33 $3,597.54 $1,798.77
    For each additional  
    person, add: $9,509.00 $792.42 $396.21 $365.73 $182.87


    This chart is to be used when reviewing the Pre-K Income Eligibility application to determine if family meets income qualifications for “economically disadvantaged”. Families making at or below the annual income amount, based on household size, meet the income eligibility criteria for participation in the Voluntary Pre-k program for the 2023-2024 school year. Verification must include total income of all household family members as indicated on Pre-K Income Eligibility Application.

    THIS CHART MAY NOT BE USED FOR ELIGIBILITY FOR FREE or REDUCED PRICED LUNCH PROGRAM.

    Meeting Income eligibility requirements does not guarantee acceptance into the VPK program due to limited space and the possibility of more students applying than seats available.

  • Pre K Round-Up Dates and Times

    School

    Date

    Time

    Cedar Bluff Preschool
    April 10, 2023
    3:30 - 5:30 p.m.
     
    Adrian-Burnett Elementary
    April 11, 2023
    3:30 - 5:30 p.m.
     
    Amherst Elementary
    April 11, 2023
    3:30 - 6:00 p.m.
     
    Bearden Elementary
    April 11, 2023
    3:30 - 5:30 p.m.
     
    Belle Morris Elementary
    April 11, 2023
    3:15 - 5:15 p.m.
     
    Bonny Kate Elementary
    April 11, 2023
    3:30 - 5:30 p.m.
     
    Carter Elementary
    April 11, 2023
    3:30 - 5:30 p.m.
     
    Christenberry Elementary
    April 11, 2023
    3:00 - 5:30 p.m.
     
    Copper Ridge Elementary
    April 11, 2023
    3:30 - 5:30 p.m.
     
    Dogwood Elementary
    April 11, 2023
    3:00 - 6:00 p.m.
     
    East Knox Elementary
    April 11, 2023
    4:00 - 5:30 p.m.
     
    Fort Sanders Educational Development Center
    April 11, 2023
    2:00 - 3:30 p.m.
     
    Halls Elementary
    April 11, 2023
    3:00 - 5:00 p.m.
     
    Inskip Elementary
    April 11, 2023
    3:30 - 5:30 p.m.
     
    Karns Elementary
    April 11, 2023
    3:30 - 6:00 p.m.
     
    Lonsdale Elementary
    April 11, 2023
    10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
    4:00 - 6:00 p.m.
     
    Maynard Elementary
    April 11, 2023
    3:30 - 5:30 p.m.
     
    Mooreland Heights Elementary
    April 11, 2023
    2:00 - 4:00 p.m.
     
    Pleasant Ridge Elementary
    April 11, 2023
    3:30 - 5:30 p.m.
     
    Pond Gap Elementary
    April 11, 2023
    4:00 - 6:00 p.m.
     
    Sarah Moore Greene Magnet Academy
    April 11, 2023
    3:00 - 5:00 p.m.
     
    South Knox Elementary
    April 11, 2023
    8:00 - 10:00 a.m.
    1:30 - 6:00 p.m.
     
    Spring Hill Elementary
    April 11, 2023
    3:30 - 5:30 p.m.
     
    West Haven Elementary
    April 11, 2023
    3:30 - 6:00 p.m.
     
    West Hills Elementary
    April 11, 2023
    4:00 - 6:00 p.m.
     
    West View Elementary
    April 11, 2023
    3:00 - 5:00 p.m.
     
    Sunnyview Primary
    April 12, 2023
    3:30 - 5:30 p.m.
     
    Gibbs Elementary
    April 13, 2023
    4:00 - 6:00 p.m.
     
    Fair Garden Family Center
    April 15, 2023
    3:15 - 5:15 p.m.
     
    Ritta Elementary
    April 25, 2023
    3:00 - 5:00 p.m.