Thank you for your interest in the Murfreesboro City Schools VPK Program. The MCS VPK program is funded by a grant for low income or at-risk children. We serve four-year old children who are zoned for a city school. Our program prepares children for kindergarten by helping them develop school readiness academic and social skills.
Requirements
If you have specific concerns or questions, you may email preschool@cityschools.net or call 615-898-7148.
• Step 1: Gather All Documents
Complete before starting Step 2
Required documentation unless the enrolling student is in state custody or is experiencing homelessness:
• Step 2: Submit VPK Application
Complete between April 1-15
Submit application with required documentation.
If you would like assistance with your application, please visit Cason Lane Academy Preschool located at 930 Cason Lane in Murfreesboro or the MCS Central Office located at 2552 S. Church Street in Murfreesboro.
• April 8 – 8am to 3pm
• April 10 – 8am to 3pm
• April 14 – 8am to 5pm
Step 3: VPK Acceptance & Registration
Complete by May 23
If your application is accepted, you will then register your child through the Skyward Family Access Portal.
If you would like assistance with Skyward registration, please visit Cason Lane Academy Preschool located at 930 Cason Lane in Murfreesboro or the MCS Central Office located at 2552 S. Church Street in Murfreesboro.
• May 7 – 8am to 3pm
• May 15 – 1pm to 5pm
Step 4: Next Steps
Prior to August 1st
Complete any necessary health requirements:
Updated Immunizations
TB test – See requirements
Need assistance?
Please email preschool@cityschools.net or call 615-898-7148.
Did You Know?
Every child in Tennessee, birth to age five, is eligible to receive high-quality, age-appropriate books in the mail monthly at no cost to families. Enroll in the Governor’s Books from Birth Foundation, a partnership with Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library and United Way of Rutherford & Cannon Counties.
What is the Voluntary Pre-K Program?
The Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten Program (VPK) is a state-funded initiative designed to prepare at-risk children for school. To be eligible, children must be four (4) years old by August 15. The term “at-risk” refers to those who are economically disadvantaged, as defined by the state.
Due to limited state funding, there are only a few classrooms available within Murfreesboro City Schools. Priority placement is given to families who are economically disadvantaged. The VPK program aims to provide a strong foundation for learning and to ensure a successful transition into the school environment.
What is the Integrated Preschool (IPK) Program?
The Murfreesboro City Schools Integrated Preschool is a program that offers preschoolers, with and without disabilities, challenging experiences through a language-based curriculum. These inclusive classrooms are for children ages 3-5. Peer models are placed at each site to serve as role models and peer helpers to children with special needs. Peer models must be four (4) years old on or before by August 15 of the current year and complete a developmental screening for pre-academic and speech/language skills to be eligible. Students with special needs must meet disability requirements for the State of Tennessee. If eligible, services can begin as early as age three (3).
See webpage for more details. This FAQ does not apply to IPK.
Integrated Preschool is separate from VPK. For further information regarding the Integrated Preschool contact the Special Education Department at 615-893-2313.
Email: Integrated.Preschool@cityschools.net
Who may apply for the Voluntary Pre-K program?
Parents/Legal Guardians of children who are four (4) years of age on or before August 15 of the current year and are zoned for Murfreesboro City Schools.
What happens after you submit your application and documentation?
The Murfreesboro City Schools Pre-K staff will review the income eligibility worksheet to assess a child’s eligibility.
When will I find out if my child is eligible for the Voluntary Pre-K Program?
Once we have received all required documents and determine your family’s income eligibility, you will receive an email on or before April 29th letting you know about your child’s eligibility for the program and the next steps to complete to be officially accepted. You will receive an official acceptance email for the Voluntary Pre-K Program by June 3.
What if my child does not qualify?
If you do not meet income eligibility requirements, your child’s application will remain on file for the school year in case a slot becomes available. Typically, we are not able to place over income applicants due to the high number of income eligible applications.
Another option is the Integrated Preschool Program. For more information, please see webpage for more details.
What if I choose to wait and start my child in kindergarten at the age of 6? Would he/she be able to attend the Voluntary Pre-K class at age 5?
No. The Pre-K program is only available for children who are four (4) years of age on or before August 15, using the birthdate guidelines. This is a Tennessee State Law for all Voluntary Pre-K programs (VPK).
Does every elementary school have a Voluntary Pre-K program?
No. The TN State Department of Education does not provide enough funding for a pre-k program in every elementary school. Our Voluntary Pre-K classrooms will be located in several schools; however, location of classrooms is tentative and will depend on space available. Locations of classrooms and hours of the program will not be finalized until school begins in August.
Which schools have a Voluntary Pre-K class?
Currently, VPK is offered at Cason Lane Preschool, Black Fox, John Pittard, Mitchell-Neilson Primary and Northfield.
Is bus transportation provided for Voluntary Pre-K students?
No. Transportation to and from VPK is the responsibility of the parent/guardian.
Does the Voluntary Pre-K Program follow a phase-in schedule at the beginning of the school year?
Yes, the Voluntary Pre-K Program will follow a two-week phase-in schedule at the beginning of the school year. The period helps students adapt to the classroom environment and ensure a smooth transition during the first weeks of school. The phase-in schedule will be available from the teacher at the beginning of the school year.
Does Pre-K have a school supply list?
Yes, the school supply list can be found here.