Pre-Kindergarten
Give Your Child a Great Start!
PreK classrooms in Wichita Public Schools provide a dynamic and engaging environment where purposeful play supports growth in:
- Reading and writing
- Math and science
- Social and emotional development
Our comprehensive curriculum is designed to set the stage for long-term academic success.
4-year-old PreK enrollment for the 26-27 school year is NOW OPEN!
Apply for 26-27 4-year-old Pre-K program
- This year, some families will be able to complete enrollment from start to finish online—super easy!
- All open slots will be filled based on the time stamp on the completed online interest form.
- Families who choose to complete the enrollment process in-person may do so at the Focht Instructional Support Center, 412 S. Main.
- Returning PreK students who have an IEP with classroom services do not need to go through this enrollment process.
- PreK at Horace Mann and Isely have been filled for the 2026-27 year.
- 3-year-old PreK programs have been filled for the 2026-27 year.
- PreK enrollment for students who live outside of WPS boundaries will begin on April 8, 2026.
Eligibility
Wichita Public Schools PreK programs are designed to serve students who meet at-risk criteria. Your child may qualify if one or more apply:
- Qualifies for free meals (National School Lunch Program)
- Lives in a single-parent household
- Foster care or referral from Kansas DCF
- Parent was a teenager (19 or younger) when child was born
- Parent does not have a high school diploma or GED
- English Language Learner (ELL)
- Developmentally or academically delayed
- Migrant status
- Experiencing homelessness
Indicating eligibility helps ensure your child is considered for available programs.
PreK Hours
For most PreK programs:
Morning 8:50 am - 11:50am
Afternoon 1:10pm - 4:10pm
Early start locations:
Morning 7:50am - 10:50am
Afternoon 12:10pm - 3:10pm
PreK early start programs are located at Caldwell, Gordon Parks, Horace Mann, Isely, and Pleasant Valley Elementary.
Our PreK Programs
PreK for 4-Year-Olds
- FREE program for children who turn 4 years old on or before August 31 of the current school year and meet at least ONE qualifying factor.
- Builds strong academic and social foundations for kindergarten readiness.
PreK for 3-Year-Olds
CLOSED for 2026-27
CLOSED for 2026-27
- Limited spaces for children who turn 3 years old on or before August 31 of the current school year.
- Focused on early learning through play and social interaction.
3-year-old enrollment closed
for the 26-27 school year
PreK Enrollment Process
STEP 1: PRE-K INTEREST FORM
To begin the application process, complete the PreK interest form.
STEP 2: ONLINE REGISTRATION
Complete the Online Registration. Be sure to select the correct tab before starting (Returning vs New Families).
STEP 3: BIRTH VERIFICATION
Upload the birth certificate into the Online Registration.
STEP 4: ASQs
- To complete the 2 online ASQ questionnaires that need to be completed before your enrollment can be processed, click on the ASQs link above.
- Scroll down to Links to PreK and Kindergarten ASQ and select the school that is your first choice.
- Once you select a language it will direct you to the asq online website. Select I am completing both the ASQ-3™ and ASQ:SE-2™ questionnaires and complete the form.
STEP 5: In some cases, an IN-PERSON appointment for the child may be required for them to participate in a screener. If this is necessary, a member of our team will reach out to schedule an appointment.
Once steps 1-5 have been completed and verified, you will receive an assignment email.
Call our office with any questions or to schedule an appointment for assistance with enrollment.
Directions & Entrance
Address: 412 S. Main St, Wichita, KS 67202
Please note: The building can be easy to miss, so we recommend reading the parking information before you arrive.
Driving Directions
- Exit Kellogg at Main Street.
- Drive north on Main Street.
- The Joyce Focht Instructional Support Center is located at 412 S. Main Street on the east side of the street.
Building Entrance
- Use the front entrance on the west side of the building
Parking Options
Parking Options
Please review parking options before arriving.
Option 1: Limited On‑Site Parking
- Small parking lot behind the building
- GPS address for this lot: 419 S. Market Street
Option 2: Paid Public Parking
- Larger parking lot at 500 S. Wichita Street,
but does require online payment to park there. - Walk to the front entrance after parking
