The mission of Polk School District Pre-Kindergarten program is to provide a nurturing learning environment where all  students can achieve success. 

At Polk School District, we are thrilled to have this  opportunity to work with you toward the success of your child. PreK is the first step in creating a love of learning in our  students. Many of you find this a greater adjustment than expected as you watch your little one take that leap toward  independence. 

Georgia’s PreK Program was established in 1993 to provide Georgia’s four-year old children with high-quality preschool  experiences. The goal of every Georgia PreK classroom is to provide our four-year olds with the learning experiences they need to prepare for kindergarten. In 2009, Georgia PreK welcomed the millionth child into the program! This unique  program, funded by the Georgia Lottery for Education, is expected to serve over 72,000 children this year. With this statewide pre-kindergarten program, Georgia reaches a higher proportion of four-year old children than any other state in the nation. Georgia’s PreK Program is successfully preparing children for school by providing an opportunity for them to  develop school readiness skills in an environment that encourages them to have fun while learning. 

An evaluation by Georgia State University found that children who attended pre-kindergarten had higher academic and social ratings by  their kindergarten teachers and better kindergarten attendance than children who did not attend preschool programs.  Participation in a high-quality preschool program also helps children develop social and pre-academic skills that will help  them succeed in kindergarten and throughout their educational experiences. 

The most effective method of ensuring success for your child is to become a vital member of the educational team. We  will offer opportunities for parent conferences, programs, and other volunteer opportunities. Being an active participant in the PreK experience will be a priceless experience for you. 

Once again, we are thrilled to have this time to work with you and your family. We look forward to a wonderful year full of  milestones and memories! 

Important Guidelines

Our program is governed by the Georgia Bright from the Start PreK. We must comply with all of the guidelines as stated in the Bright from the Start PreK Operating Guidelines.  For more information, see the Georgia PreK homepage. 

1. PreK registration takes place each spring in March.  It continues until all classes have been filled.  At this time, we add any additional students to a waiting list. 

2. To enroll in PreK, parents must complete an application and provide a certified birth certificate, social security number,  immunization record (Form 3231), and Eye, Ear, Dental, and Nutrition screenings (Form 3300).  Polk School District holds PreK registration each spring for the upcoming school year.   

3. A waiting list will be established when enrollment reaches 20 students per classroom. Maximum class size is 20 students.  Maximum class size is determined by Georgia Bright from the Start.  

4. Enrollment for PreK operates on a lottery-based system.  PreK students register for and attend the school for the zone in which they live.   Proof of residency is required in order to register.  

5. If we have more students register than we have available spots, we will have a drawing to determine enrollment.  All other students will be placed on a waiting list.  If space is available at a different school within the district, students on the waiting list may be offered one of the open spots once adequate time has been allowed for students who live within a particular school zone. Polk School District reserves the right to deny enrollment for any student who does not live in a particular school zone. 

6. PreK students must meet attendance and behavior guidelines established by the district and Georgia Bright from the Start.  If these guidelines are not met, the district reserves the right to begin truancy protocols and/or behavior interventions.

POLK SCHOOL PRE-K GUIDELINES AND LOTTERY INFORMATION