The VPI program was created in 1994 by the General Assembly of Virginia to reduce disparities among children upon formal school entry, and to reduce or eliminate those risk factors that lead to early academic failure. State funding is available to serve at-risk four-year-olds who are not being served by Head Start.

Roanoke City Public Schools accepts applications for students who are or will be four years old on Sept 30 of the current school year. Acceptance to the program depends on screening and family factors such as income. Initial application review is February 1 to April 15 for the following school year. Applications are accepted year round and eligible students may be selected off the wait list as spots open up.

Click here to apply to preschool for the 2023-2024 school year!