FAQ

What is the purpose of St. Tammany Parish Schools Pre K Network? The St. Tammany Parish Early Childhood Ready Start Network is a collaboration of the St. Tammany Parish Public School System, Head Start, Type III child care centers, and academically approved Family Child Care (FCCs).
The purpose of the St. Tammany Parish Public Schools Pre K program is to provide universal, high quality, developmentally appropriate instruction to four-year old children found to be at economic and academic risk.

Head Start, Type III child care centers, and FCCs are available for children birth to age five so that each enters Kindergarten prepared for success.

Is Pre K mandatory in St. Tammany Parish? No. Children do not have to attend a Pre K program in order to enroll in Kindergarten. However, it is highly recommended that parents seek early childhood learning opportunities as they have been proven to provide a strong foundation for future educational success.

Does St. Tammany Parish Schools have universal Pre K? No. St. Tammany Parish schools have a limited number of seats across parish schools. However, every effort is made to place all who meet age and income requirements.

Who is eligible for St. Tammany Parish Schools Pre K? Children must be 4 PRIOR to Oct. 1st, and parents must meet gross monthly income requirements relative to household size as set by the Federal Poverty Guidelines.

Why do I have to disclose my income? Federal guidelines require that families meet gross monthly income limits relative to household size in order to accommodate children found to be at economic and academic risk.

What if I don’t qualify? Families who exceed gross monthly income limits relative to household size do not qualify for Pre K at no cost. These students will be added to their zoned school’s tuition waiting list based on the date and time their application was submitted.

When will I know if my child has been accepted for tuition placement? Tuition placement is limited and not guaranteed at any school. Due to the limited number of seats, some schools cannot accommodate tuition students. Tuition students are placed once it has been determined that seats are available, and parents may be notified of availability any time between May and August.

How much is tuition? Tuition is $450 per child, per month. Tuition payments are due to the school by end of the first week of each month, August – May.

What are the steps for enrolling in Pre K? Parents must complete the online Pre K application to determine qualification. If qualification requirements are met, parents will be instructed on how and when to register for school.

How do I apply for Pre K? Parents should complete the Pre K application at www.stpsb.org.

When do I apply for Pre K? Pre K applications for the upcoming school year will be accepted beginning February 6th.

What happens after I submit my Pre K application? The Early Childhood office processes applications as quickly as possible and in the date and time order they are received. Requests for additional information and application results are communicated via email and/or phone. Once qualification requirements are met, parents will be instructed on how and when to register for school.

Where will my child attend Pre K? Pre K students must attend the school they are zoned for, according to home address. Parents may submit a written request for out of district placement to the Early Childhood office. All requests are reviewed by the Early Childhood Supervisor, and approval is not guaranteed. Determination is based on the reason for the request and availability at the requested school.

What if my school is full? If the Pre K student’s zoned school reaches capacity, the Early Childhood office will offer placement at the closest school with availability. Out of district Pre K assignments expire at the end of the school year. All out of district Pre K students must return to their zoned school for Kindergarten. Parents must be able to provide their child’s on time school transportation each day. Bus service is not available to out of district students.

Can Pre K children ride the bus? Yes. Pre K students attending their zoned school may ride the school bus.

What does my child wear? All Pre K students wear khaki bottoms and a top specific to the school’s colors. See your school’s website for information.

When does Pre K start? St. Tammany Parish Schools Pre K and Kindergarten classes start the week after the first day of school for 1st-12th grades. Please see the school board calendar for information.

When will I receive information about orientation and the first day of school? Once teachers return and receive their rosters they will make every effort to contact their Pre K families, and provide information about the first day of school. The school will also mail reminder cards with orientation dates to all who have successfully registered for school. Please see the school’s website for information.

What are the hours for Pre K? St. Tammany Parish Schools Pre K is a full day program, and Pre K classes follow the school’s regular bell schedule. See your school’s website for information.

Does my child have to attend every day? St. Tammany Parish Schools Pre K classrooms are funded based on each child’s consistent attendance. It is imperative that Pre K students attend school every day and all day unless they are sick. Parents must submit a note for every absence. Vacations, personal time, etc. are not considered excused absences.

Do Pre K children have to be potty trained? No. Pre K students do not have to be potty trained. However, every effort should be made to encourage independent bathroom practices before school starts.

Do Pre K children receive free lunch? Pre K families can apply online for free or reduced lunch.