Dallas ISD is now accepting Pre-K registrations for the 2026–2027 school year, giving local families an opportunity to place their youngest students in an early-learning classroom at no cost.
Beginning with the new school year, Dallas ISD’s Universal Pre-K program will be tuition-free for eligible three- and four-year-old children across the district. The expansion removes tuition for families who previously did not qualify for free Pre-K under state or federal guidelines.
Registration opened April 1 and remains available through Dallas ISD’s online enrollment system.
For busy mothers and guardians, the process can be completed by following a few simple steps.
Step 1: Make Sure Your Child Is Old Enough
Children enrolling in Pre-K 3 must be three years old on or before September 1, 2026.
Children enrolling in Pre-K 4 must be four years old on or before September 1, 2026.
Dallas ISD offers Pre-K 3 and Pre-K 4 at many elementary campuses and community partner locations.
Step 2: Find the Right School
Parents should use Dallas ISD’s online “Find Your School” tool to identify their neighborhood campus and explore available Pre-K programs.
Some families may choose their assigned neighborhood school, while others may be interested in a Pre-K partnership center or a specialty program. Dallas ISD’s Round 3 application period for specialty schools opened July 13.
Step 3: Gather the Documents
Before starting the online registration, take clear pictures or make digital copies of the required documents.
Parents should prepare:
- The child’s birth certificate or another accepted record showing the child’s age and identity
- A photo ID belonging to the parent or legal guardian
- Proof of the family’s current address
- The child’s current immunization record
- The child’s Social Security card, if available
The Social Security card is optional and is not required to register.
Proof of address may include a current water, electricity or gas bill, lease agreement or mortgage document. Accepted parent identification includes a driver’s license, state identification card, international identification card or passport.
Although Universal Pre-K is tuition-free, Dallas ISD still asks families to submit any additional eligibility documents that apply to their household. These may include:
- Recent proof of income for working household members
- A SNAP, TANF or Medicaid benefits approval letter
- Foster-care or court documents
- Military-service documentation
- Star of Texas Award documentation
A SNAP or Medicaid card by itself is not accepted. Families using benefits documentation should provide an approval letter or a screenshot from the Your Texas Benefits website or mobile application showing the child’s name, case number and benefit dates.
Step 4: Complete the Online Registration
Once the documents are ready, parents can visit the Dallas ISD Pre-K registration webpage and select the link for the 2026–2027 school year.
Complete every section of the online form, upload the requested documents and submit the registration. The enrollment system can be accessed from a computer or a mobile device using an updated version of Chrome, Safari, Edge or Firefox.
Taking pictures of the documents before beginning can make the process faster and reduce the chance of losing progress while searching for paperwork.
Step 5: Watch for a Response
Submitting the form does not complete the review process immediately.
Dallas ISD staff will examine the registration, review the uploaded documents and determine the child’s Pre-K status. The district will then notify the parent or guardian about the registration decision or request additional information if something is missing.
Parents should regularly check the email address and telephone number entered on the application.
Help Is Available
Mothers who do not have reliable internet access, need technical assistance or have questions about their documents do not have to complete the process alone.
Families can visit their local Dallas ISD campus or a Dallas ISD ONE Center for help with registration, campus selection and the online enrollment system.
For direct Pre-K assistance, call the Dallas ISD Pre-K Enrollment Hotline at 214-932-7735. General enrollment questions may be directed to 972-925-5560.
With registration already underway, parents are encouraged to gather their documents and begin the process as soon as possible. Dallas ISD’s new Universal Pre-K program gives more three- and four-year-old children access to early classroom routines, social development and the foundational skills that can help prepare them for kindergarten.
