Pre-K 3 and Pre-K 4 Applications and transfers

Applications for eligible and tuition-based students open on April 1 and remain available on an ongoing basis until the campus reaches capacity.

Families may apply for their child to attend a Pre-K3 or Pre-K4 program at a campus other than their zoned school, based on space availability. 

Application & Eligibility

  • All Pre-K applications are created in Enroll Austin.
  • During the application process, families may rank up to three schools or programs in order of preference.
  • To attend your zoned school, be sure to list it as one of your three ranked schools. Zoned students receive priority at their zoned campus.
  • All Pre-K applications require additional documentation to determine eligibility. 
  • Eligibility for Pre-K3 and Pre-K4 programs is determined by the requested campus. For more information about eligibility go to our Pre-K website.

Additional Information

  • Guaranteed enrollment is only available for Pre-K4 students eligible for free Pre-K at their zoned school.
  • Pre-K3 transfer students may continue at the same campus for Pre-K4 with guaranteed enrollment, but an application must be submitted for the following year. (Eligible and Tuition)
  • IMPORTANT: If your child is a Pre-K4 transfer, they are not automatically guaranteed a seat in Kindergarten at the same school. You will need to submit a new application, which will be considered according to transfer priorities and available space in Kindergarten.
  • Exception: Students enrolled in a Dual Language program may continue at the same school for Kindergarten.

Pre-K Timeline

  • Based on TEA policies, the applications for Pre-K3 and Pre-K4 open on April 1 each year. 
  • Applications are processed on a rolling basis.
  • Any families who have a completed Pre-K application, including supporting documentation, by May 22, 2026, will receive an eligibility determination by June 3, 2026. 
  • The possible outcomes for a completed Pre-K application: 
    • Student is eligible for free Pre-K and is offered a seat. 
    • Student is eligible for free Pre-K, however there isn’t capacity at the campuses applied to, student placed on waitlist(s) and offered support to find a seat
    • Student is not eligible for free Pre-K and is offered a tuition seat
    • Student is not eligible for free Pre-K however there isn’t capacity at the campuses applied to, student placed on waitlist (s).