Due to COVID-19, Garland ISD is waiving pre-K eligibility requirements for 2020-21 and is offering the early learning program for free to all 4-year-olds in Garland, Rowlett and Sachse. Families may choose from half-day or full-day pre-K at 29 campuses. Enrollment is open now. Details at garlandisd.net/PreK.
Free prekindergarten (pre-K) classes are offered at selected schools for students that qualify. These classes are taught by certified teachers who are trained in early childhood education and follow a state-mandated curriculum.
The program offers many benefits. 90% of your child’s brain develops before they are 5 years old. The pre-K program takes advantage of this important time learn. It provides foundational education that helps prepare your child for kindergarten.
Research has shown that children who attend pre-K are less likely to be held back a grade and more likely to graduate from high school.
Find out if your child meets eligibility requirements and learn how to enroll on the Prekindergarten eligibility page.
Eligibiliy requirements have been waived for the 2020-21 school year due to COVID-19.
There is also a Montessori program that includes classes for pre-K aged children. If your child is not eligible for the free pre-K program you may consider paying to enroll your child in the Montessori program. Please note, specific timelines must be met to apply for magnet programs.
What will my child learn?
Our pre-K teachers are trained in early childhood development.
Your child will learn:
- to recognize colors, shapes, letters, and numbers
- important social skills like how to pay attention in class and interact with other children
- listening and speaking skills
- early reading skills like how to hold a book, turn the pages, and look at pictures
- basic math skills such as counting and measuring
- Your child will also develop skills in science, social studies, fine arts and physical development for a balanced education.
What times are the classes?
The full-day pre-K program shares the same hours as our elementary schools, 8:10 a.m.-3:20 p.m.
The half-day pre-K program offers morning and afternoon sessions. Students either choose a morning session from 8:02-11:05 a.m. or an afternoon session from 12:17-3:20 p.m.
Both options follow the same school calendar as all other district students.
Which schools offer Pre-K classes?
There are two dedicated prekindergarten centers and 27 elementary schools that offer pre-K classes, in either a full or half day format.
Some schools offer regular general education with ESL and some offer bilingual education. Some schools offer both. See the list of schools offering prekindergarten for the current school year below.
Half-day locations
| School | Offering |
| Back Elementary School | Gen Ed/ESL |
| Bradfield Elementary School | Bilingual Spanish |
| Bullock Elementary School | Gen Ed/ESL, Bilingual Spanish |
| Caldwell Elementary School | Bilingual Spanish |
| Club Hill Elementary School | Gen Ed/ESL |
| Golden Meadows Elementary School | Gen Ed/ESL, Bilingual Spanish |
| Hickman Elementary School | Gen Ed/ESL, Bilingual Vietnamese |
| Lister Elementary School | Gen Ed/ESL, Bilingual Vietnamese |
| Montclair Elementary School | Gen Ed/ESL, Bilingual Spanish |
| Northlake Elementary School | Gen Ed/ESL, Bilingual Spanish |
| Pearson Elementary School | Gen Ed/ESL, Bilingual Spanish |
| Sewell Elementary School | Gen Ed/ESL |
| Shugart Elementary School | Gen Ed/ESL, Bilingual Spanish |
| Toler Elementary School | Gen Ed/ESL, Bilingual Spanish |
Full-day locations
| School | Offering |
| Carver Elementary School | Gen Ed/ESL, Bilingual Spanish |
| Cisneros Prekindergarten School | Gen Ed/ESL, Bilingual Spanish |
| Couch Elementary School | Gen Ed/ESL |
| Davis Elementary School | Bilingual Spanish |
| Freeman Elementary School | Bilingual Spanish |
| Heather Glen Elementary School | Gen Ed/ESL, Bilingual Spanish |
| Liberty Grove Elementary School | Gen Ed/ESL, Bilingual Spanish |
| Luna Elementary School | Gen Ed/ESL |
| Park Crest Elementary School | Gen Ed/ESL, Bilingual Spanish |
| Parsons Prekindergarten School | Gen Ed/ESL, Bilingual Spanish, Bilingual Vietnamese |
| Shorehaven Elementary School | Gen Ed/ESL, Bilingual Spanish |
| Southgate Elementary School | Bilingual Spanish |
| Spring Creek Elementary School | Gen Ed/ESL |
| Stephens Elementary School | Gen Ed/ESL, Bilingual Spanish |
| Weaver Elementary School | Gen Ed/ESL, Bilingual Spanish
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Information provided by Garland ISD.