Voluntary Pre-K Enrollment Opens March 20, 2025 

We are excited to announce that Voluntary Pre-K enrollment will open on Thursday, March 20, 2025. We encourage all Grainger County residents with children who are 4 years old to apply for one of the four Pre-K classrooms available at Bean Station, Joppa, Rutledge Primary, and Washburn School. Each program can enroll 20 students, with admission based on specific criteria. 

Enrollment Priority: Priority is given to children who meet income guidelines as determined by the 2025 US Health and Human Services Poverty Guidelines. For example, the total gross income for a family of four should be less than $59,477. You will need to verify your income by providing a check stub or W2. Students must be 4 years old by August 15, 2025. After September 15, if space is available, the program may enroll children who are otherwise defined as at risk. 

Program Highlights:Grainger County offers an excellent Pre-K program with well-trained teachers in all aspects of Pre-K, including fine-motor skills, cognitive and language development, and social-personal development. The Voluntary Pre-K initiative provides Tennessee's three- and four-year-old children, especially those at risk, with an opportunity to develop school readiness skills. These classes promote a high-quality academic environment that fosters a love of learning and prepares children for success in kindergarten and beyond. 

Benefits of Pre-K: Attending a Pre-K program helps children develop essential emotional, academic, and social skills. Students who develop self-regulation skills and learn to cooperate with peers in Pre-K are better prepared for kindergarten. This is particularly important for students who may already be at a disadvantage in these areas. 

Why Invest in Pre-K: Investing in Pre-K helps close the achievement gap, increases graduation rates, creates productive citizens, and ensures that all children in Grainger County have access to quality education. We must be proactive in supporting our children from an effective Pre-K program through high school graduation and beyond. 

Enrollment Information: Enrollment for the 2025-2026 school year opens on March 20, 2025. You can find enrollment information on the Grainger County Schools webpage, where there will be a link to the Pre-K program page. You may also contact each school to make an appointment for packet pick-up. 

Contact Information: In May, teachers will contact you upon completion of the registration process, at which time proof of income must be provided. 

Applications for enrollment will not be accepted before March 20, 2025. 

If you have any questions about the registration process or enrollment procedures, please contact Ginny McElhaney at 865-828-5436.