Does District of Columbia offer free preschool?

Yes. District of Columbia funds the DC Public Pre-K for 3 years old (Pre-K3) or 4 years old (Pre-K4). District of Columbia's DC Public Pre-K is universal — no income test. All eligible 3- and 4-year-olds who live in District of Columbia qualify.

What are the income limits for free preschool in District of Columbia?

District of Columbia's DC Public Pre-K is universal — no income test. All eligible 3- and 4-year-olds who live in District of Columbia qualify.

When do I enroll my child in District of Columbia pre-K?

District of Columbia pre-K enrollment typically runs November through February (MySchoolDC lottery). Apply through DC Office of the State Superintendent of Education. All 3- and 4-year-olds who live in DC qualify. Apply through MySchoolDC during the November–February lottery window. Match results announced in March.

✓ Universal Pre-K — No Income Test

Is Pre-K Free in District of Columbia?

2026 eligibility, age requirements, and how to apply

District of Columbia offers free pre-K to all eligible 3- and 4-year-olds through DC Public Pre-K. No income test.

Age

3 years old (Pre-K3) or 4 years old (Pre-K4)

Income limit

None (universal)

Schedule

Full school day

Apply by

November through February

District of Columbia Free Preschool: Program Details

Program name

DC Public Pre-K

Age requirement

3 years old (Pre-K3) or 4 years old (Pre-K4)

Income limit

Universal — no income test

Schedule

Full school day (7 hours)

Enrollment

November through February (MySchoolDC lottery)

Administered by

DC Office of the State Superintendent of Education

How to Apply for Free Preschool in District of Columbia

Applications are handled by DC Office of the State Superintendent of Education.

Check age and income eligibility

Your child must be 3 years old (Pre-K3) or 4 years old (Pre-K4). No income verification required.

Apply during enrollment window

District of Columbia pre-K enrollment typically runs November through February (MySchoolDC lottery). Apply early — many programs fill quickly.

Choose a provider

Programs run through public schools and licensed childcare centers. All 3- and 4-year-olds who live in DC qualify. Apply through MySchoolDC during the November–February lottery window. Match results announced in March.

Apply through DC Office of →

What to know before you apply

• All 3- and 4-year-olds who live in DC qualify. Apply through MySchoolDC during the November–February lottery window. Match results announced in March.
• Head Start is a backup option if state seats run out. It serves families below 100% FPL and is federally funded nationwide.