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Apply to Boston Pre-K
Who is eligible for Boston Pre-K?
A child is eligible for Boston Pre-K if they are:
- 3 or 4 years old by September 1 of the school year they are applying to
- Resident of the City of Boston
Additional considerations:
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Head Start: Head Start programs have an additional income restriction. If you select/selected a Head Start program as an option in your application, you will be contacted by the program to ensure your family meets the income eligibility criteria.
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Horizons for Homeless Children: Horizons for Homeless Children’s mission is to support families experiencing homelessness or needing stable housing. If you select/selected Horizons for Homeless Children as an option in your application, you will be contacted by the program to ensure your family meets the program’s eligibility criteria.
- Specialized Services: Screenings, evaluations, and services offered may vary by setting. If your child has an IEP, the Boston Pre-K team will contact you after you submit your application to ensure the program you applied to can serve your child's needs.
Important Dates for the 2025-2026 school year
- January 6, 2025: Boston Pre-K begins accepting applications for the school year 2025-2026
- March 21, 2025: The lottery closes. Families will need to register before this date to be included in the first lottery assignment
- March 31, 2025: Families will receive assignment notifications
Families applying after March 21 will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis, depending on seat availability.
Families can still apply on a rolling basis for the school year 2024-2025, through apply.avela.org/boston.
Application
For the school year 2025-2026 there will be two application processes:
- one for Boston Public Schools
- one for community providers (CBOs, FCCs, and Independent Schools).
A family can choose to apply to one, or both. A family will need to fill out each application separately if they want to be considered for both.
Learn about the application process for a Boston Pre-K seat at the Boston Public Schools here
The application to Boston Pre-K at a community provider (CBO, FCC or independent school) is done completely online through Great Starts at: apply.avela.org/boston
The application process will go through a lottery and families will get notice of their single best offer - the best available offer out of their ranked Boston Pre-K schools or childcare programs - on March 31.
Seats are offered according to availability.
Priority Registration
Priority Registrations opens November 15 for families who are already enrolled at a Boston Pre-K CBO, FCC, or Independent School provider and want to remain at their current site.
Contact
If you have questions about the registration process at Community-Based Organizations, Family Child Care, and Independent Schools, you may contact the Boston Pre-K Office with any questions at 617-635-1507 or bostonpre-k@bostonpublicschools.org. Translation options are available upon request.
If you have questions about the registration process at Boston Public Schools, you may contact Boston Public Schools, Welcome Services, with any questions at 617-635-9010. Translation options are available upon request.
- 3 or 4 years old by September 1 of the school year they are applying to
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“UPK has been the perfect transition for my son from his small and loving home childcare to a more traditional school environment. The hands-on teaching staff, diverse peer group, and focus on play and exploration have contributed immensely to his growth over the past year. He has acquired important literacy and numeracy skills, but has also become a more confident learner, a deeply curious thinker, and a better friend through his UPK experience. The highlight of our day is when he opens his backpack to present me with the artwork and projects he created which showcase his learning and enthusiasm in a tangible way. In addition, we have been thoroughly impressed with the UPK teaching team.”
- Sarah Olia, UPK parent, 2021