Wake County families with young children who are participating in the district's Pre-K program for the 2026-27 school year can attend a kickoff event on Thursday.
Nearly 3,000 students in the Wake County Public School System will start Pre-K in nearly 200 classrooms this year. The first day of Pre-K at traditional calendar schools is Sept. 8.
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The district is holding a "Wake Schools’ Countdown to Pre-K event" on Aug. 27 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Marbles Kids Museum in downtown Raleigh. The event gives families a chance to connect with school staff and community resources before their child goes into the Pre-K classroom.
Registration for the event is free.
To attend the district's Pre-K programs, a child must turn 4 years old by Aug. 31 and live in Wake County. The deadline to apply was in June, but parents interested in enrolling their child next year can find more information about the district's Pre-K and early childhood programs online.
Kiley Brown, the district’s director of early learning, said teachers will offer home visits for families ahead of the first day to offer support for parents.
"The Pre-K teachers are well-trained, and they’re excited to support you and partner with you throughout the school year," Brown said. "So not only are we going to have opportunities for home visits, but there will be opportunities for family engagement throughout the school year."
The event at Marbles is advertised as a chance for parents to connect with community organizations and discover helpful resources.
Wake County's Pre-K program offers a variety of free and tuition-based classes.