Working prototype by Stoa, a redesign concept for Durham PreK, not the official website. The live site is at durhamprek.org.

Families

Apply to Durham PreK

The 2026–2027 application is open. Here is everything you need to apply, and what happens next.

Start your application

A crayon drawing of a grown-up and child holding hands.

One application. Every Durham family welcome.

Step zero

Is my child eligible?

Age

Your child must turn 4 on or before August 31 of the school year they are applying for.

Residency

Your family lives in Durham County. You will upload proof, such as a lease or utility bill.

Everyone is welcome

Open to any 4-year-old in Durham County, regardless of income or immigration status.

How it works

Apply in three steps

  1. Create an account

    Start the online application and answer questions about your child and family.

  2. Upload your documents

    Proof of age, proof of Durham County residency, and proof of income.

  3. Complete the ASQ screening

    The Ages and Stages Questionnaire is a developmental screening that helps determine placement.

  4. Get matched to a site

    One application reaches 30+ sites across the county. You will hear back about placement.

Note for reviewers

On the live site the “Start your application” button links to Durham PreK’s existing online application (SurveyMonkey Apply). This concept keeps that integration rather than replacing a working enrollment system.

Get ready

What to have on hand

  • Proof of age, a birth certificate or other document showing your child turns 4 by August 31.
  • Proof of Durham residency, a lease, mortgage statement, or recent utility bill.
  • Proof of income, recent pay stubs or equivalent. This sets your cost, but does not affect eligibility.

Search family resources →

Sample resource

Application Checklist

A one-page printable checklist of everything above. Representative document for demonstration; the live build links the program’s real PDF.

Find it in search →

Cost

No- to low-cost, based on income

Most families

$0

Families below 450% of the Federal Poverty Level pay nothing (2026–2027).

At or above 450% FPL

2%

A monthly fee calculated at 2% of the family’s gross monthly income.

Figures reflect Durham PreK’s published 2026–2027 cost structure (the threshold rose from 400% to 450% FPL for 2026–2027).

Ready to apply?

The 2026–2027 application is open now.

Start your application   Read the FAQs