Preschool FAQ

What are the tuition fees for VPI?
The VPI preschool program is free.

Where are the ACPS-VPI programs located?

• Early Childhood Center located at the John Adams Elementary School campus (9 classrooms)
• William Ramsay Elementary School (2 classrooms)
• Jefferson-Houston School (1 classroom)

Is transportation provided for VPI students?

• Families can apply for a free DASH bus pass for the school year through the Office of Early Childhood.
• School buses are not available for VPI programs

Is there before and after school care?
No, the VPI program only offers a full-day preschool program.

What schedule do the VPI students follow?

• The VPI preschool program follows the ACPS school year calendar.
• William Ramsay Elementary School: School doors open for drop-off at 7:45. School start at 8:00. School ends at 2:35.
• Jefferson-Houston School: School doors open for drop-off at 7:45. School start at 8:00. School ends at 2:35.
• Early Childhood Center located at the John Adams Elementary School campuses (ECC): School doors open for drop-off at 8:00. School start at 8:15. School ends at 2:50.

How does the waitlist work?
Once you have completed your registration, you will be placed on the VPI waitlist for one or all of our VPI-ACPS locations. Slots will only become available if a student is withdrawn for any reason. Once a slot becomes available, the Office of Early Childhood will contact the family with an offer letter.

How many students are in each class?

• There is a minimum of 16 students in each of our VPI classes.
• Each class has a full-time certified teacher and instructional assistant.

What is the curriculum in the VPI preschool program?
ACPS uses The Creative Curriculum® for Preschool. It is one of the most widely used preschool curricula in the nation. It’s comprehensive and research-based and features exploration and discovery as a way of learning.

Are meals provided in school?

• Breakfast, lunch, and a snack are available to students.
• A student may receive free/reduced-price meals after completing a Meal Application. Application forms are available before the start of the school year at a school’s main office or can be downloaded from the ACPS Office of School Nutrition Services webpage.

Why is there a home visit?

• The home visit aims to help the child make a smooth transition from home to school and create a positive connection between the teacher and the child’s family.
• A home visit is a special time that families can share about their child and their family.
• Teachers will also share valuable information during the home visit to help a family prepare their child to be successful in school.

Will my child attend specials offered at the school?

• Yes, VPI preschool children participate in art, music, physical education, and the library.
• VPI preschool children also participate in other school-wide activities and special offerings as appropriate.

Will my child be able to take a nap?
Yes, VPI preschool children have a rest time in the afternoon.

Does my child have to be toilet trained to attend VPI?
It is not a requirement that your child be toilet trained to attend VPI. Some VPI students may not be fully toilet trained when they start attending VPI in the fall. Toilet training is like any other self-care skill that children need to learn. The preschool staff will support your child to master this skill.

How do I learn about my child’s progress in VPI?
Parent-Teacher conferences are held twice a year. You may request a conference with your child’s teacher at any time.