Garrett County Public Schools (GCPS) is now accepting online applications for the Pre-Kindergarten 3-year-old (PK3), Pre-Kindergarten 4-year-old (PK4), and Kindergarten programs for the 2026–27 school year. Applying as soon as possible is strongly encouraged, as it will ensure timely communication regarding program placement and registration appointments.
Pre-Kindergarten 3
To be eligible for the PK3 program, a child must be three (3) years old by September 1, 2026. Seats are available to families with incomes up to 300% of the Federal Poverty Level and students with special educational needs, English as a second language, and/or children who are experiencing homelessness, regardless of income. Use the following link to view details about the program, eligibility requirements, and to apply for PK3. www.gcps.net/page/pre-kindergarten-3-year-olds
Pre-Kindergarten 4
To be eligible for the PK4 program, a child must be four (4) years old by September 1, 2026. PK4 is a universal program, meaning all students who meet the age requirement are eligible. Priority is given to families with incomes up to 300% of the Federal Poverty Level and students with special educational needs, or English as a second language, and/or children who are experiencing homelessness, regardless of income. Use the following link to view details about and apply for the PK4 program. www.gcps.net/page/pre-kindergarten-4-year-olds
For both PK3 and PK4, online applications are date and time-stamped to prioritize placement. Students are placed at the elementary school in their home district first; however, based on enrollment and class size requirements, some students may be assigned to a neighboring school. Placement notifications for students requiring an alternate location will be sent in early August.
Kindergarten
Children who will be five (5) years old by September 1, 2026, are required to register for kindergarten. Those who do not meet the age requirement are not eligible for kindergarten registration. Exemptions from the required 5-year-old attendance must be requested by contacting the Early Childhood/Elementary Education Department at 301-334-8927. Use the following link to view details and apply for the Kindergarten program: www.gcps.net/kindergarten.
Registration
Registration for all programs will take place at each elementary school in April 2026, and applicants will receive additional information regarding their application status and registration appointments in advance of their registration.
Out-of-area Requests
Applications submitted by June 15th will be acted upon by July 1st, when possible. At times, the class size may not be known, and approval cannot be given until a date nearer the start of the school year. To learn more about Out of Area Requests, open and closed transfer schools, and obtain the request form, please visit www.gcps.net/page/out-of-area-transfer-requests.
Assistance and Contact Information
Parents needing assistance completing the online application should contact the elementary school in their home district and ask for the Registration Liaison. For questions about residency boundaries, please contact the Transportation Department at 301-334-8907.
For any questions about the enrollment process, please contact the Office of Early Childhood/Elementary Education at 301-334-8927, Mrs. Dawna Ashby, Director, or Mrs. Dawna Rodeheaver, Administrative Assistant.
