Jackson Madison County School System’s PreK program provides our youngest learners with rich academics and social interactions in an inclusive setting with highly qualified staff. We have Pre-K classes within 10 elementary schools in the district. Additionally, Nova Early Learning Center houses 20 PreK classes. We offer placement options for families who are above or below state income eligibility and for students with or without disabilities.  

Attending Pre-K helps students grow academically and socially while easing the transition from home to regular elementary school. Our teachers use an inter-disciplinary curriculum program, Connect-4-Learning, which balances child-centered play with teacher-directed instruction across all subject areas. Our goal is to provide positive interactions with students at school, building a strong foundation and excitement for learning.

Q. How old must be child be to attend Pre-K?

A. Students must be 4-years-old on or before August 15 of the current school year.

Q. What are the qualifications for Pre-K?

A. Families must meet state-mandated income eligibility requirements to be enrolled in a Voluntary Pre-K class. However, we have locally funded classes that do not have income requirements. We also have special education classes for students who are served through the district’s Special Education programs.

Q. How can I register my student for Pre-K?

A. You can register your student for Pre-K at any time through the online registration process.  All required documents must be submitted in person.

Q. Who can I contact for questions about Pre-K Registration?

A. For questions about Pre-K registration, please contact Kristin Peachey via email kapeachey@jmcss.org or call 731-215-2730.

Q. What documentation must I provide in order to register my student for Pre-K?

A. Families must submit: (1) copy of a current year’s physical and immunization on the Tennessee Department of Health Certificate; (2) copy of State Certified Birth Certificate; (3) household income verification – recent check stub, latest tax return, SSI pay stub or public assistance case; (4) two proofs of residence in Jackson-Madison County.

Q. Is school bus transportation provided for Pre-K students?

A. For the 2025-2026 school year, transportation will be available for Pre-K students zoned for Alexander, Isaac Lane, and Lincoln Elementary.

Q. Do Pre-K students attend school all day?

A. Pre-K students attend all day and attendance is mandatory. Students can be dismissed from the program for excessive absences.

*Pre-K Collaborative at Isaac Lane and Nova Early Learning Center

Isaac Lane and Nova Early Learning Center have a Pre-K collaborative with Northwest Tennessee Head Start/Early Head Start Program. This partnership provides additional resources for our VPK students in the collaborative class.  The additional resources are:

• Staff (an additional teacher assistant will be in this class; 1 to 6/7 ratio)
• Indoor and outdoor equipment (iPad, age-appropriate furniture, etc.)
• Health, Mental Health and Disability services for your child and family
• Instructional items for the room (paper, manipulatives, etc.)
• Family engagement opportunities and activities
• Family advocacy through a Head Start Family Advocate
• Educational classroom support for the family and child throughout the school year

If you are interested in being considered for this class, be sure to let Lisa Lewis know when you turn in the needed documents during registration. For more information you may call 731-215-2730 or email kapeachey@jmcss.org.