Preschool Registration
Eligibility Requirements for School Year 2025–2026
- Age
- Your child must be 3 or 4 years old by September 30
- Residency
- Your child must reside in the City of Alexandria. Check your address using the Attendance Zone Locator.
- Income
- Families with income below 200% of the federal poverty guideline percentage are eligible to apply. (Please refer to the Federal Poverty Guideline table below)
- Families with income between 201%–350% are eligible to apply if they meet one or more of the following criteria:
- Child identified with special needs and the child has an Individual Education Program (IEP).
- Parents or guardians did not complete high school.
- Family is experiencing homelessness.
- Parent is under 20 years old.
- Family speaks another primary language other than English.
- Parent/guardian is having issues finding and maintaining stable employment or is a seasonal employee.
- Parent is in jail or prison.
- Experiencing violence at home.
- Concerns about alcohol and/or drug use.
- Parent/guardian is currently on long-term military deployment.
- Child lives in a foster care home.
- Family is currently experiencing changes in the household or community that are causing stress at this time.
- Families with income over 350% are also eligible to apply if they meet one or more of the following criteria:
- Child identified with special needs and the child has an Individual Education Program (IEP).
- Family is experiencing homelessness.
- Parents or guardians did not complete high school.
2025 U.S. Gross Annual Federal Poverty Guideline Percentage
Household Size | The VPI income eligibility is under 200% | The VPI income eligibility with other risk factors is under 350% |
---|---|---|
1 | $31,300 | $54,775 |
2 | $42,300 | $74,025 |
3 | $53,300 | $93,275 |
4 | $64,300 | $112,525 |
5 | $73,300 | $131,775 |
6 | $86,300 | $151,025 |
7 | $97,300 | $170,275 |
8 | $108,300 | $189,525 |
9 | $119,300 | $208,775 |
10 | $130,300 | $228,025 |
Please note: the poverty guidelines change annually. Source: HHS Poverty Guidelines
Families that do not qualify for the VPI program, please visit the following websites for childcare resources and Child Care Providers in Alexandria City.
How to Apply for the 2025-2026 School Year
- Step 1: Apply
- Step 2: Eligibility Review
- Step 3: Certification
- Step 4: Offer Letter / Waitlist
- Step 5: Registered
- Step 6: Enrolled
- Additional Forms and Resources
Step 1: Apply
Step 2: Eligibility Review
Step 3: Certification
Step 4: Offer Letter / Waitlist
Step 5: Registered
Step 6: Enrolled
Additional Forms and Resources
Important 2025-2026 Dates
February 24 |
2025-2026 School Year applications open on February 24. ALX Preschool will contact you within 20 business days to schedule a review of your application and collect required documents. |
---|---|
April 30 |
First priority deadline. |
1st Week of May |
Program registrars send offer letters to families. |
May 10 |
Selected families must accept/decline offer. |
June 30 |
Second priority deadline. |
AFTER June 30 |
Families that apply after the second priority deadline will be considered on an ongoing basis. |
2nd Week of July |
Program registrars send offer letters to families. |
July 18 |
Selected families must accept/decline offer. |
Mid-August |
School starts. Before the school year begins, your assigned ALX Preschool registrar will email the family with the school assignment, school start date, and other important information. |
CONTACT INFORMATION
Citywide Early Childhood Programs
1340 Braddock Place
Alexandria, VA 22314
703-619-8026
vpiearlychildhood@acps.k12.va.us
Betel Yosef
Administrative Assistant/Registrar
703-619-8026
betel.yosef@acps.k12.va.us
Roxana Serrano
Bilingual Registrar
703-619-8353
roxana.serrano@acps.k12.va.us