New Preschool Application Process

To apply for the 2024-2025 School Year, apply online using the application link below or call 910-254-4173 to schedule an appointment.

The New Application Process is for any family who has "never" applied for preschool in New Hanover County Schools. If you have applied for preschool services before, please click here to go to the "Re-Apply for Preschool Process" Process page. In order for your child to be considered for preschool services, parents/families must complete the following process to submit an application.

1. Gather all of the required documents listed below prior to accessing the online application.
   • Certified copy of Child's Birth Certificate
   • Parent/Guardian Proof of Identity: State ID, Driver's license, or Military ID
   • Proof of address (lease, mortgage, or current electric bill).
   • If you live with someone else and are not on the lease or mortgage, please fill out a Residency Affidavit and submit a copy of the resident’s lease or mortgage. The Residency Affidavit must be notarized at the time of submission.
   • Proof of income for the last 12 months for all legal guardians in the household.
     • Examples:
       • 2023 Tax 1040
       • 2023 W-2
       • One month worth of paycheck stubs
       • Child support, Alimony, Unemployment or Disability
       • If you are currently unemployed, please fill out a Wage Verification Form and indicate any income you have received in the last 12 months.
   • Your child’s most up-to-date Immunization Records
   • Any public assistance:
     • SNAP/EBT Card or Letter
     • SSI Benefits Letter
     • TANF/WORK FIRST Letter
     • WIC Letter
     • Medicaid Approval Letter
   • Additional Documents if applicable:
     • Foster Care/Kinship Care Documentation
     • Legal Guardian/Custody Papers
     • Disabilities, IEP or IFSP Documents, Private Therapy Documents
2. Save the documents in a digital format on the device you will use to access the online application. Documents should be saved as: PDF, JPEG, JPG, PNG, DOC, or DOCX.
3. When steps 1-3 have been completed, click on the New Application button on this page to submit all of the above documents and complete the online application process.
4. Our Early Childhood Education Department will contact you via telephone and/or email. Our staff will be in touch to review your application, collect any additional documentation, and to schedule your child’s educational screening to complete the application process. If you change your phone number or email, please call our office to update your contact information at 910-254-4173.

Enrollment Placement Timeline

• Head Start - Dorothy B Johnson: eligible 3 and 4 year old students will start being placed March 1st, 2024.
• Public Schools and Private Sites: eligible 4 year old students will start being placed April 1st, 2024.
• Public Schools: eligible 3 year old students will start being placed May 1st, 2024.

If you need school bus transportation, you will need to attend your district preschool. For more information, please contact the Early Childhood Education Department.