Application Procedures

NC PreK Applications Now Available for the 2025/2026 School Year!

Applications for the 2025/2026 NC PreK school year are now available at all NC PreK sites. A complete list of locations can be found at the bottom of this page and in the application.

Key Information:

• There is no cutoff date to apply; however, once programs are full, applicants will be placed on a waitlist.

• To help complete your application, refer to Page 3 for a list of required documents.

• Completed applications can be submitted to any elementary school or returned directly to the Central Services office.

• Approval letters will begin being mailed on March 1st.

The application for 25-26 is here.

Purpose and Eligibility Requirements

North Carolina Pre-Kindergarten (NC Pre-K) is a state-funded program designed to provide high-quality early education to four-year-old children, preparing them for success in kindergarten and beyond. The purpose of NC Pre-K is to help close the achievement gap by offering children from families with economic or environmental disadvantages access to an enriching and developmentally appropriate learning environment. This program aims to enhance school readiness by focusing on academic, social, emotional, and physical development.

To be eligible for NC Pre-K, children must be four years old by August 31 of the program year. Additionally, the program prioritizes children from families that meet certain income eligibility requirements, children with disabilities, or those who are English language learners. Specific eligibility criteria and application procedures may vary by county, but the overall goal is to ensure that children who are most at risk for academic challenges have the resources and support they need to thrive.

Pre K Locations:

Acme Delco Elementary School
Chadbourn Elementary
Hallsboro Artesia Elementary School
Old Dock Elementary School
Tabor City School
West Columbus School (serves Chadbourn, Cerro Gordo and Evergreen)
Whiteville Primary School (must live in Whiteville City School District, No Exceptions)
Williams Township School
Faulk Kidland, Tabor City
Kid Kare Academy, Whiteville
Opening Doors, Whiteville
Southeastern Community College Child Development Center, Whiteville

Contact Information

Columbus County Schools
Terri Ard, NC PreK Specialist
2586 James B. White Hwy N Building
Whiteville NC  28472
910-642-5168 Ext. 24034

tard@columbus.k12.nc.us