Pre-K Enrollment Basics for 2026-2027

Families in Baltimore City have the option to send their four-year-olds to free, full-day Pre-Kindergarten at schools across the city. While we’re still months away from the new school year, now is the time to begin the application process.

Live Baltimore partnered with City Schools’ Early Learning Programs to offer a free webinar, “Demystifying the Pre-K Enrollment Process,” on January 29, 2026, with information about the 2026-2027 school year. This workshop is part of our resources for Baltimore City families with children. Some key takeaways are below.

 

  • Q: What documentation is needed for the application?
  • A: The application includes:
    • Proof of student identity and birthdate
    • Proof of guardianship (if applicable)
    • Proof of address
    • Proof of income
    • A list of up to three schools in ranked order
    • Once your family has accepted a Pre-K spot, you’ll need to bring some additional paperwork (including proof of your child’s last physical and immunization records) to the school before the new year begins.

 

  • Q: What key dates should we keep in mind?
  • A: Applications are due on April 17. Families might hear from City Schools if there are questions about documentation, and then should receive their placement offer around May 11. They should accept or decline that placement by May 22 and complete the enrollment process with their school of choice. There is no waitlist this year. If you need to make an enrollment change over the summer, contact the Office of Enrollment, Choice, and Transfer.

 

  • Q: Is a Pre-K seat in our neighborhood zoned school a guarantee?
  • A: Unlike Kindergarten and other grades, families are not necessarily guaranteed a space at their zoned school for Pre-K. Space is limited to 20 seats per Pre-K class within each building. You can find a list of capacities at each school on the City Schools website.

 

  • Q: What are the criteria for Pre-K enrollment?
  • A: Children must be four by September 1, 2026. With equity at the forefront, Pre-K spots have always been offered first to families who qualify as Priority 1 according to state guidelines. Priority 1 includes those who are:
    • Income-eligible (up to 300% of the federal poverty level)
    • Are experiencing homelessness
    • Receive special education services
    • Or are eligible for English language services

The algorithm used by the automated enrollment system considers Priority, location, and siblings as it matches families to optimal school settings.

 

  • Q: How has the process changed since my older child was in Pre-K a few years ago?
  • A: For the third year, City Schools has automated the Pre-K enrollment process to increase access for all families. Enrollment is now handled entirely through an online platform rather than through individual school offices. However, families who do not have technology access can go to their local school if they need help completing the application.

 

  • Q: How do charter schools handle the Pre-K enrollment process?
  • A: Charter schools that offer Pre-K handle their own admissions processes outside the SEMS platform. Charter schools will follow the same schedule as traditional schools, but the application is completely separate. Families should apply directly to individual charter schools.

 

  • Q: How should I enroll my child for Kindergarten?
  • If your child will be 5 by September 1, they should enroll in Kindergarten. If your child is in Pre-K and wishes to continue at the same school, no action is needed on the family’s part. To enroll in a different school, either complete the Kindergarten application in SEMS by April 17 or contact the Office of Enrollment during the summer transfer window (starting in July). For a student new to City Schools, you’ll complete the Kindergarten application on SEMS with the same April 17 deadline, but you do not need to provide income information.

 

  • What other Pre-K options are there?
  • In addition to the public school system, families can opt to enroll in Pre-K at community-based childcare providers across the city (see the current list at the bottom of this page). Public (no-cost) seats are available for Priority 1 families with children who are 3 and 4 as part of The Blueprint for Maryland’s Future.

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