• Preschool applications for the 2025-2026 School Year are now open!

    Apply to Preschool!  

    New: Little Learners, Big Beginnings Preschool Application Open Houses

    Learn all about the RCPS preschool application process, receive personalized help completing your application, and discover how our program sets the foundation for your child’s success.

    Join Us for Our First Event!

    Want to get ahead on your application and learn more? Join us for our Litttle Learners, Big Beginnings open houses to learn about the application process and receive assistance with the application!

    Save the Date:

    April 24, Fishburn Park Elementary School (5-7 p.m.)
    May 5, Jamestown Place (4-6 p.m.)

    About Our Programs

    Preschool programs are provided by Roanoke City Public Schools to eligible 3 and 4-year-old children residing within the division. Classrooms are staffed by certified teachers and by instructional assistants. Bus transportation is provided at no cost.

    View the information below to learn more about our preschool programs:

    • VPI Program Offerings: The Virginia Preschool Initiative (VPI) is a state-funded school and community-based program that provides quality preschool programs for at-risk 3 and 4-year-old children unserved by the federal Head Start program. VPI programs are located in 15 of our 17 elementary schools and serve Roanoke City residents.
    • Special Education for Preschoolers: REACH provides special education services for children. Together with parents/guardians, an Individualized Education Program (IEP) is developed based on the student's evaluation and/or needs. 

     

    School Sites

    • Crystal Spring Elementary
    • Fairview Elementary
    • Fallon Park Elementary
    • Fishburn Park Elementary
    • Garden City Elementary
    • Grandin Court Elementary
    • Highland Park Elementary
    • Hurt Park Elementary
    • Lincoln Terrace Elementary
    • Morningside Elementary
    • Roanoke Academy for Math & Science
    • Round Hill Elementary
    • Virginia Heights Elementary (Specialized Classroom)
    • Wasena Elementary
    • Westside Elementary
    • Supervisor of Early Learning
      Mary-Katherine Bishop
      (540) 853-1438 |  mkbishop@rcps.info 
       
      Supervisor of Early Childhood Special Education
      Quanna C. Pannell
      (540) 853-1646 | qcpannell@rcps.info
      Preschool is part of the Academic & Accountability team, which reports to:
       
      Dr. Cyndi Williams
      Chief Academic & Accountability Officer

  • VQB5 System

    To prepare all children for kindergarten, and in response to state law, Virginia has developed the Unified Virginia Quality Birth to Five System (VQB5) to measure and improve the quality of all publicly-funded birth-to-five classrooms and support families to choose quality programming across all types of programs. All RCPS preschool programs meet expectations under the VQB5 quality rating system. 

    Learn more    Aprende más (español)