Arlington ISD Pre-K

Where little stars take their first steps toward big dreams.

Pre-kindergarten registration for the 2026 - 2027 school year is now open!

We believe the best learning begins with joy

Our Pre-K3 and Pre-K4 programs are designed to nurture curiosity, build confidence, and help every child grow in friendship, in school, and in themselves. Whether your little one is trying a classroom for the first time or getting ready for kindergarten, they’ll have space to explore, learn, and thrive at their own pace.

And no matter your family’s path—whether you're learning in English or Spanish, or joining us through eligibility or tuition—we’re here to support you with a program that fits your child’s needs.

Choose the program that's right for your child!

Explore the options below to find the best fit for your child. Then use the School Locator to see which campuses offer your preferred program.

Free Pre-K for all 4-year-olds!

  • FREE play-based learning Pre-K for all 4-year-olds, including a bilingual program
  • Open to every child – regardless of language background, ability, culture, or learning need
  • Full day Pre-K4 program runs from 8:10 a.m. – 3:35 p.m., Monday - Friday
  • Open to families in Arlington, as well as families who reside outside our district boundaries when space is available

Half-day Pre-K for 3-year-olds!

  • Free only for students who meet TEA eligibility criteria
  • Tuition‑based option available for families who do not qualify for free Pre‑K3
  • Half day Pre-K3 program has two options: 
    • Morning option: 8:10 - 11:20 a.m., Monday - Friday
    • Afternoon option: 12:25 - 3:35 p.m., Monday - Friday
    • Kooken morning: 8:10 - 11:20 a.m., Monday - Friday
    • Kooken afternoon: 11:55 a.m. - 3:05 p.m., Monday - Friday
  • Open to families in Arlington, as well as families who reside outside our district boundaries when space is available. Enrollment priority is given to Pre-K3 students who qualify under the federal guidelines and students who reside in Arlington ISD's boundaries.

Why PRE-K Matters:
It all starts in our classrooms! 

According to a study published by Raise Your Hand Texas – an advocacy group for public education in Texas – children who attend any type of preschool program were more likely to be ready (54% ready) for kindergarten than children who had not attended preschool (38% ready). High-quality pre-K programs, the study said, can lead to significant and sustained gains for young children.

When you walk into a pre-K classroom at any Arlington ISD school, you are going to find busy little people. And what exactly are they doing and learning?

  • Playing in engaging centers that include math, science, reading, language arts, fine arts and home play
  • Learning to recognize numbers and shapes and learning to count
  • Learning the alphabet and phonics to increase oral language, communication and vocabulary
  • Mastering letter recognition and working on written expression
  • Pretending to cook and playing with playdough
  • Spending one-on-one time with the teacher
  • Enjoying recess and outside time with friends
  • Exploring in the STEM (science, technology, engineering, art and math) lab
  • Learning during calendar and weather time
  • Singing, listening to music and doing drama and plays
  • Exercising with music
  • Exploring in outdoor learning environments
  • Creating through art, such as coloring, painting and more
  • Learning to use scissors and how to hold a pencil
  • Beginning writing
  • Learning how to use technology

Big Dreams begin in Pre-K in Arlington ISD