
Records Request
Beginning of Year Information Updates
Enrollment
K-12 Enrollment
Apply for Preschool
Our preschool program is a full-day program with experienced, licensed teachers that enables children to engage in an exciting curriculum and a stimulating learning environment.
There are different preschool options: see the details below for information on all of them.
Qualifying for NC PreK and Head Start requires children to be 4 (3 or 4 for Head Start) by August 31st of the school year. See the information below for more risk factors associated with qualifying for these programs.
Families with an email address can now apply ONLINE. Click on the following links:
ENGLISH APPLY ONLINE or ESPANOL APLICA ONLINE
If you do not have online access, please contact Alison Davis to complete the application over the phone, (910) 259-7603.

Head Start
3 or 4 by August 31
100% of poverty level and below(see Poverty Guidelines)
Homeless
Receive Public Assistance (TANF, SSI, SNAP)
Family status (single, step, foster)
English language learner
Identified disability (IEP)
Chronic health problem
Family education level
Head Start classrooms are blended with NC PreK and are located at the following sites:
Cape Fear Elementary
CF Pope Elementary
Malpass Corner Elementary
Rocky Point Elementary
South Topsail Elementary
Surf City Elementary

Exceptional Children's Program
Must be 3 years old to start services
Must have qualifying Individualized Education Plan (IEP)
Not all IEPs require placement in a classroom, some services can be provided on site on a schedule
Each child's schedule is based on their needs, service time varies from child to child
Exceptional Children's Program classes are not an application process, but a qualification process through referral, testing, eligibility and placement meetings via the EC Department.

NC Pre-K
4 by August 31
75% state median income level
Identified disability (IEP)
English language learner
Educational need
Chronic health problem
Military
Classrooms which are NC PreK funded are required to be NC childcare licensed; all 8 licensed NC PreK sites are 4 or 5-star centers.
SCHOOL SYSTEM NC Pre-K:
Cape Fear Elementary
CF Pope Elementary
Malpass Corner Elementary
Rocky Point Elementary
South Topsail Elementary
Surf City Elementary
SUB-CONTRACT NC Pre-K Sites (private childcare centers):
Creative Minds
EXCEL #13
Little Town Learning Center
We accept applications year-round! Complete your application as soon as possible.
It is not a first-come, first-served application process; families must qualify, but timing is important, do not wait until the summer to apply!
We start placing children as early as March 1st:
Head Start eligible 4 year olds March 1st
NC Pre-K eligible 4 year olds April 15th
Head Start eligible 3 year olds May 15th
Contact the preschool office with any questions, (910) 259-7603.
Pender County Schools does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, immigrant status, English-speaking status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal or N.C. law in its programs or activities. For questions regarding the nondiscrimination policies, call 910-259-2187, or write Pender County Schools.
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