FCPS Preschool Program Information

The Frederick County Public Schools Preschool Program operates according to the Frederick County Public Schools 2024-25 School Calendar.  

Four preschool classes will be offered during the 2024-25 school year. The classes will be held at Apple Pie Ridge, Gainesboro, Evendale and Stonewall elementary schools. Each preschool class will serve up to 18 students and will have both a teacher and teacher assistant. Seventy-two students (four classes) will be selected to participate in the preschool program. 

The preschool program follows all requirements set by the Virginia Department of Education for a Virginia Preschool Initiative (VPI) program. The curriculum is based on Virginia’s Early Learning and Development Standards. Students will also participate in music, art, library and physical education programs. In addition to providing high-quality preschool experiences and activities to students, the program will provide focused outreach to families as well as individualized support for children with unique learning needs, including students with disabilities and English language learners.  Students will eat breakfast and lunch at school and be provided with a daily snack.

There is no cost for students to attend the FCPS preschool program.  

Frederick County Public Schools will provide transportation to and from school for all students enrolled in the preschool program. 

Students residing in the Apple Pie Ridge, Evendale, Gainesboro, Indian Hollow, Jordan Springs, Middletown, Redbud Run and Stonewall elementary school attendance zones who will be four years of age on or before September 30, 2024, are eligible to apply for the preschool program.  The maximum family income for program participants must be at or below 200 percent of the federal income guidelines as noted in the chart below.  There is no income requirement for families with children with a disability. In addition, children who are members of households receiving Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits or who receive Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Medicaid are eligible to participate in the preschool program.  Official documentation such as an award letter, Notice of Action or SNAP card must be presented to verify participation in the programs noted above. 

2024 Annual Income Guidelines

Preliminary applications for the preschool program will be accepted from the families of eligible students residing in the Apple Pie Ridge, Evendale, Gainesboro, Indian Hollow, Jordan Springs, Middletown, Redbud Run and Stonewall elementary school attendance zones beginning the week of Monday, March 4. Preliminary applications should be completed using the Online Preschool Application Form.  

• 2024-25 Initial Preschool Application - English
• 2024-25 Initial Preschool Application - Spanish

In addition to completing the Online Preschool Application Form, the following information must be scanned and e-mailed to jenkinsh@fcpsk12.net or dropped off for Heidi Jenkins or Angie White at the Frederick County Public Schools Administration Building located at 1415 Amherst Street, Winchester, Virginia. 

• Identification
  • Photo ID (choose one):
    • Valid/current Virginia Driver’s license
    • Valid/current Photo ID Card (from the DMV)
    • Valid/current Passport
• Proof of residency- Parents must present two forms of proof that they reside in the attendance zone in which they are enrolling students.
  • Residency Documents (choose two):
    • Electric bill
    • Oil bill
    • Gas bill (Natural or Propane – if attached to home)
    • Water/sewer bill
    • Cable/satellite TV bill
    • Property tax bill (for residence)
    • Mortgage statement/bill
    • House purchase contract (with signatures & date) (verify address on contract – no additions should be made to original contract)
    • Homeowner’s insurance policy (coverage must be current) (verify address on contract)
    • Rental/Lease contract (with signatures & date) (verify address on contract – no additions should be made to original contract)
    • Renter’s insurance policy (for residence – coverage must be current)
  • Not Accepted
    • Bills more than two months prior to current date
    • Bank statements
    • Phone bills
  • Certified copy of the student's birth
  • Proof of Income
    • 2023 tax return or W-2 forms
    • 2 current pay stubs (salary)
    • Supplemental Security Income (SSI) verification
    • Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) verification
    • Written statement from employer
    • Child support
    • Social Security benefits
    • Unemployment benefits

After preliminary applications have been processed, Frederick County Public Schools will contact the families of those students who meet the eligibility requirements for the program to complete the full registration process.   

Once the full registration process is completed, the applications will be assessed.  Completing the registration process does not guarantee acceptance into the program.

Since the preschool program is only able to serve up to 72 students, the applications of all students will be reviewed by the preschool supervisor to determine the students who will receive the greatest educational benefit from participating in preschool.  Those students will be offered admission to the program.  All other eligible applicants will be placed on a waiting list and offered admission in order of greatest need should additional space become available. Admission decisions will be communicated in two cycles, mid-May and mid-June.

For additional information regarding the registration process, please contact Preschool Coordinator Angie White at 540-662-3888.