Pre-Kindergarten Program
The Portland Public Schools offers high quality Pre-K programming in both Portland Public Schools' buildings and at partnership sites. Children are eligible if they turn 4 years old on or before October 15 in the year of application. Start and end times of programs vary, with the long-term goal being classroom days that mirror the hours of K-5 classrooms in each building. Efforts to provide extended day care on a sliding scale and transportation are ongoing, as part of the district's goal to decrease barriers to accessing our Pre-K programs.
Children are placed in Pre-K slots in their neighborhood schools or at partner sites, based on our Pre-K lottery process.
Portland does not yet have programs available in each elementary school. Classes are currently located in both our PPS school buildings and in high quality community partner sites. Locations include:
- Talbot Community School
- Portland Arts and Technology High School
- East End Community School
- Rowe Elementary School
- Peaks Island Elementary School
- Presumpscot Elementary School
- Lyseth Elementary School
- Youth and Family Outreach
- Catherine Morrill Day Nursery
- Special Purpose Classroom
PPS Pre-K programs include developmental screening, language proficiency assessment and English language support as appropriate, assessment and referral services, and coordination and transition with school personnel for students with Individual Education Plans.
Pre-K Program Philosophy
Pre-K children benefit from high quality opportunities for developing language, literacy, mathematical problem-solving abilities, conceptual knowledge, academic vocabulary, and social emotional skills. High quality Pre-K programs include a combination of intentionally planned learning environments and opportunities for child choice and exploration across all areas of development. Strong positive relationships with well trained, responsive and caring teachers positively impact child outcomes. Parents are viewed as children’s first teachers and as critical partners in the care and education of their children.
