Huntsville City Schools (HCS) is now accepting pre-registration applications for its Pre-K program for the 2026–2027 school year, providing families with an opportunity to give their children a strong foundation for lifelong learning.
HCS Pre-K focuses on helping young learners learn, play, and grow in a nurturing, developmentally appropriate environment. Research consistently shows that students who participate in high-quality pre-kindergarten programs experience greater academic success throughout their educational careers.
“Early childhood education lays the foundation for a lifetime of learning,” said Contessa McCloud, HCS School Readiness Specialist. “Students develop their brains within the first five years of life. Having the opportunity to attend Pre-K supports strong cognitive, social, and academic development that benefits students well beyond their early years.”
Children are eligible to apply for HCS Pre-K if they are 4 years old on or before September 1, 2026. Families can pre-register online through the Alabama First Class Pre-K system. Students who are pre-registered will be included in a random selection held in March.
To assist families with the application process, the HCS School Readiness Department will host Pre-K Pre-Registration Help Sessions at two locations later this month. These sessions are designed to support parents and guardians with questions about eligibility, the online application, and the pre-registration process.
See the session schedule on the Pre-K Calendar page.
For more information about Huntsville City Schools’ Pre-K program, families are encouraged to contact the HCS School Readiness Department.