Enrollment
Apply for Durham PreK
One application. 30+ pre-K sites across Durham County. Free, high-quality early education for your four-year-old.
2026–2027 Application is open
Is my child eligible?
All children who live in Durham County and turn 4 years old on or before August 31, 2026 are eligible to apply — that’s children with a birthdate between 9/1/2021 and 8/31/2022. Durham PreK is open universally to all eligible families.
This is a quick guide based on age only. Final eligibility also considers Durham County residency — our team confirms everything when you apply.
How to apply
- 1
Check eligibility
Your child must live in Durham County and turn 4 on or before August 31 of the applying school year.
- 2
Gather your documents
Proof of Durham County residency, your child’s birth certificate, and household income information.
- 3
Submit one application
A single application is reviewed across 30+ pre-K sites — Durham Public Schools, NC Pre-K, Head Start, and 5-star community sites.
- 4
Get matched to a site
Partners review every application together and work to place your child at a participating site.
Need help applying?
Our bilingual Pre-K Application Specialists are here to help in English and Spanish.