PreK Registration

Portsmouth Public School’s Bright Start Preschool Program is a part of the Virginia Preschool Initiative. This state funded grant program is designed to provide a high-quality, developmentally-appropriate preschool education for the most at-risk 4-year-olds that prepares them for kindergarten and beyond.  The goal is to give all eligible students opportunities for academic enrichment while also meeting the needs of their social and emotional well-being. Selection for participation into the Bright Start program is based on the eligibility criteria established by the state of Virginia and Portsmouth Public Schools.

Program Eligibility Criteria

Selection to the Bright Start Preschool Program is determined by specific eligibility criteria from the state and local levels as listed below: 

State Criteria

  • Your child must be 4-years-old on or before Sept. 30, 2024

  • Homelessness

  • Family income is at or below 200% of the federal poverty guidelines (Poverty Guidelines Chart)

  • Family income is less than 350% of federal poverty guidelines for students with special needs or disabilities (Poverty Guidelines Chart)

Local Criteria

  • Parent(s) did not graduate high school

  • Child being raised by someone other than birth parent(s) - grandparent, aunt, cousin, foster parent, etc.

  • Military (active duty, deployment, veterans)

  • English Language Learners

  • Parent Incarceration

  • Single Parent Home

  • Disabled Parent/Guardian

  • Students with special needs or disabilities

How to Apply

Enrollment for preschool applications will be accepted by appointments only. Families can schedule an in person registration appointment here.

All applications will be reviewed and assessed based on eligibility criteria and program space availability. Families will be notified by mail in July regarding application acceptance.

Required Application Documents
Only the legal parent/guardian may register the child and must have all of the following:

  • State/Military Birth Certificate (No hospital birth certificates will be accepted)

  • Valid Picture ID for Parent/Guardian

  • Proof of Household Income (Parents/Guardians total household income for 2023 and Verification of any supplemental income - WIC, SSI, SNAP, TANF, etc.)

  • Immunizations Records

  • Physical Examination within the Last Year or Appointment Card Dated by Aug. 31, 2024

  • Court Ordered Custody Documentation (if applicable)

  • Proof of Residency:

    • If you own /lease your home, you must provide your utility bill from within the past 30 days and one (1) of the following:

      • Your home’s deed; or

      • Your mortgage statement (within the past 30 days); or

      • Lease/rental agreement with the name, address and telephone number of the owner/lessee (must be signed from within the past year)

    • If you do not own /lease and your name does not appear on the mortgage/lease, you must complete this residency verification form and provide a utility bill (within 30 days) as well as one of the following:

      • Your home’s deed; or

      • Your mortgage statement (within the past 30 days); or

      • Lease/rental agreement with the name, address and telephone number of the owner/lessee (must be signed from within the past year)

For further assistance, please visit the PreK Registration Frequently Asked Questions webpage.

prek girl lookingt at camera

PreK Registration Parent Information
PreK Registration FAQ