• Apply for Voluntary Pre-K

  • Please see our new KCS website HERE

    You will find information about all of our preschool programs and our KCS application for the 2025-2026 school year. 

  • If you are interested in attending Voluntary Pre-K for the 2024-2025 school year, please contact our office at 865-594-1529.

     

    Applying for Voluntary Pre-K

    Children must be 4 by August 15 to attend during the 2025-2026 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) 
    • Child's birth certificate


  • 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.

  • 2024 Income Eligibilty Guidelines

    *Annual income levels reflect 185% of the 2024 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 $27,861.00 $2,321.75 $1,160.88 $1,071.58 $535.79
    2 $37,814.00 $3,151.17 $1,575.58 $1,454.38 $727.19
    3 $47,767.00 $3,980.58 $1,990.29 $1,837.19 $918.60
    4 $57,720.00 $4,810.00 $2,405.00 $2,220.00 $1,110.00
    5 $67,673.00 $5,639.42 $2,819.71 $2,602.81 $1,301.40
    6 $77,626.00 $6,468.83 $3,234.42 $2,985.62 $1,492.81
    7 $87,579.00 $7,298.25 $3,649.13 $3,368.42 $1,684.21
    8 $97,532.00 $8,127.67 $4,063.83 $3,751.23 $1,875.62
    For each additional  
    person, add: $9,953.00 $829.42 $414.71 $382.81 $191.40


    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.