Pre-K
at KIPP Texas

Our joyful Pre-K programs set a foundation of literacy and skills for a strong academic future. Starting Pre-K at KIPP Texas puts students on a path toward long-term success in K-12, college, and beyond.

KIPP student smiling

Introduction to Pre-K at KIPP Texas

We help our littlest KIPPsters love learning from day one – building joyful learning experiences that set the foundation for fun curriculum and higher language, math, and reading levels.

Our students build knowledge by participating in enrichment courses throughout the week. These courses vary by school and can include art, music, dance, technology, etc.

Unique small-group learning time and exploratory active play help students grow social-emotional skills and build relationships with peers and teachers.

Foundation for Future Success

Research shows that high-quality early learning is connected to school readiness and later life outcomes. Students in high-quality early education programs are more likely to be promoted to the next grade and graduate high school. Choosing a high-quality Pre-K program for your child now makes a difference for their future!

Becoming a KIPPster

We teach your child what it means to be a KIPPster! We are here to teach students how to love learning, interact with teachers and peers, and build their confidence for future success.

Social-Emotional Learning

We believe in personalized learning approaches that address each child’s individual needs. As children become students for the first time, we emphasize important lessons on social-emotional awareness and reflection that support the growth of the whole child.

Enhanced Academic Performance

In a 2015 Measure of Academic Progress (MAP) assessment, Kindergarten students who attended KIPP Pre-K scored nearly six points higher (19% difference) in reading and nearly four points higher in math (12% difference) than students who did not attend KIPP Pre-K.

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Proven Impact

A 2017 research study found that “after five years, KIPP Pre-K combined with KIPP early elementary had ‘positive, statistically significant impacts on reading and math achievement’.”

Our Joyful Pre-K Programs

KIPP Texas offers high-quality Pre-K programming in Austin, Houston, San Antonio, and Dallas-Fort Worth. Review frequently asked questions and the offerings in your region below.

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KIPP student in class

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What Pre-K programs does KIPP Texas offer?

We currently offer Pre-K programming in all four regions:

  • KIPP Texas – Austin offers Full-Day Pre-K4.
  • KIPP Texas – Dallas-Fort Worth offers a full-day Pre-K4 program.
  • KIPP Texas – Houston offers half-day Pre-K3 (AM / PM) and Full-Day Pre-K4.
  • KIPP Texas – San Antonio offers a full-day Pre-K4 program. (Pre-K4 is only available at KIPP Somos Primary)

Are KIPP Texas Pre-K programs tuition free?

There are certain eligibility requirements to qualify for free Pre-K.

Free Pre-K

To be eligible in a free Pre-K class, a child must be 3 (Pre-K3) or 4 (Pre-K4) years old by September 1 of the current school year AND:

  • have limited English proficiency, or
  • qualify for free and reduced-cost lunch, or
  • a child of active military parent, or
  • a child of a parent who was injured or killed during active military duty, or
  • who have been in the care of the Department of Family and Protective Services, or
  • who are homeless or
  • are the child of a person who received the Star of Texas Award as a peace officer, a firefighter or an emergency medical first responder

Tuition-Based Pre-K

To be eligible in a tuition-based Pre-K class, a child must be 3 (Pre-K3) or 4(Pre-K4) years old by September 1 of the current school year AND:

  • not qualify for free Pre-K

*Please note that under Senate Bill 1679, any KIPP Texas Pre-K3 student who qualifies for free Pre-K3 will automatically be eligible for free Pre-K4. This automatic qualification does not apply to New-to-KIPP (NTK) Pre-K4 students.
*For military duty, families will need to provide a military ID or letter from the VA stating a service-connected disability for those injured while on active duty.
*Schools will verify a student’s eligibility during the enrollment (NTK students) and re-enrollment process (returning students) for Pre-K. This process begins on April 1.

For half-day Pre-K programs, how is AM or PM selected?

For half-day Pre-K3 programs, students are scheduled at the campus level for either a morning or afternoon program based on availability and family schedule. Currently, KIPP Texas – Dallas-Fort Worth, KIPP Texas – San Antonio, and KIPP Texas – Austin does not offer Pre-K3.

Once I enroll my child in Pre-K at KIPP Texas, do we have to attend school?

The expectation is that once you enroll in school, you are required to attend school. Texas Compulsory Attendance: Children ages 6-18 (up to the student’s 19th birthday) are required to attend school. Compulsory attendance also applies to students below the age of 6 if the student voluntarily enrolled in Prekindergarten or Kindergarten. Learn more in the KIPP Texas Student/Parent Handbook.

What makes the Pre-K and Kindergarten experiences unique at KIPP Texas?

Our primary elementary academic model is designed to ensure our Little KIPPsters develop a love of learning from the very start. We do this by creating a safe and joyful learning environment for each student. Students spend time daily engaging in Social-Emotional Learning starting in Pre-K. Our programs also teach academics through collaboration and play such that students are in centers and guided learning throughout the school day. Additionally, our warm and friendly teachers ensure our students build knowledge by participating in enrichment courses throughout the day. These enrichment courses vary by campus and can include art, music, dance, technology, etc.

Are there before or after-school care programs available?

Please contact your school directly for more information on before and after-school programs based on grade level.

Questions about the Pre-K program in your region?

Contact your regional Student Recruitment for more information or fill out the form below.

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