Getting started.
Who this helps
For 2026-27, children must turn four on or before October 15, 2026. Children with an IEP or who are homeless or unhoused on or after July 1 automatically qualify for a public Pre-K seat. All families must apply.
How to get started
PPS emails families if a child is offered a seat or placed on a waitlist. Families offered a seat must complete the online registration form by the deadline in the offer. Seat offers may continue through October 1 of the new school year.
Apply during the lottery.
Complete the Pre-K Application on the Portland Public Schools website during its annual lottery window, about five weeks in January or February for the following school year.
Apply after the deadline.
PPS adds applications received after the lottery window closes to a waitlist.
Ask about your place.
Use the contact section on the Portland Public Schools Pre-K Lottery and Enrollment page to ask about your child’s current waitlist place.
How they can help.
Classes are held in district schools and at Youth and Family Outreach and Catherine Morrill Day Nursery. They use the play-based Pre-K for ME curriculum.
- Pre-K classes at district schools and partner sites
- Play-based Pre-K for ME curriculum
- Developmental screenings at enrollment
- English proficiency screenings for multilingual students
- Free daily breakfast and lunch
A few questions before you go.
Check how the service works, when it is available, and any costs. Ask about communication or accessibility support if you need it.
- Is a seat still available for my child this year?
- Which sites might have an opening?
- Can my child receive transportation?
- Does my child’s IEP affect eligibility?