St. Mary's County
Public Schools
Pre-Kindergarten Application Guide
2025-2026 Pre-Kindergarten 4 Application Guide
St. Mary’s County Public Schools (SMCPS) offers full day Pre-Kindergarten 4 to children that reside in St. Mary’s County, Maryland, meet age requirements, and are income eligible (COMAR 13A.06.03.02). The Pre-kindergarten programs provide high-quality, early learning experiences to help children develop basic skills and concepts necessary for success in kindergarten. Per the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future, acceptance in Pre-Kindergarten is based on age, proof of residency, income verification, and if a family is experiencing homelessness.
Need Assistance?
Staff from the Early Childhood Education (ECE) Review Team is available to answer child specific questions regarding the Pre-Kindergarten 4 Program.
- For additional help and information, you may complete the helpdesk form
- call (301) 475-5511 x32136
- email cmwoodley@smcps.org.
Week of the Young Child 2025
Blueprint for Maryland’s Future Eligibility
SMCPS adheres to the guidelines provided by the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future and regulations from the Maryland State Department of Education. A tiered status system is used to determine eligibility:
Tier I Status
- Family experiencing homelessness
- Annual family income is at or below 300% of the Federal Poverty Level
- Annual family income is at or below 600% of the Federal Poverty Level for a child with an active Individualized Education Plan (IEP)
- Annual family income is at or below 600% of the Federal Poverty Level for a Multilingual Learner
Tier II Status
- Annual family income is between 301-360% of the Federal Poverty Level
Tier III Status
- Annual family income is at or above 361% of the Federal Poverty Level
The Blueprint Pre-Kindergarten Eligibility Requirements:
Age
- To register for SY 26-27, without exception, the child’s birthdate is between September 2, 2022 - September 1, 2023.
Proof of Residency
- The family resides in St. Mary’s County, Maryland
Income Verification
- The family's annual income is at or below 300% of the Federal Poverty Level
- The family is experiencing homelessness (verified by the Department of Student Services)
- For 2025-2026 ONLY
- Children who are identified as a multilingual learner, where English is not the home language, and/or children with a current Individualized Education Plan (IEP), Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP), and the annual family income is at or below 600% of the Federal Poverty Level may be admitted.
Required Documents
A 2025-2026 Pre-Kindergarten 4 Application and Required Documents must be provided by any family who voluntarily applies for Pre-Kindergarten 4. All completed applications are screened for eligibility. There are four (4) required documents for screening. They are:
1. 2025-2026 Pre-Kindergarten 4 Application (online preferred)
- Online preferred (click on the link above
2. Proof of Birth (copies are acceptable)
- Birth Certificate
- Baptisimal Certificate
- Physician’s certificate
- Hospital Birth Registration
- Passport (valid, un-expired passport which displays the child’s date of birth)
3. Proof of Residency (copies are acceptable)
- Deed with 911 address assignment, mortgage statement with 911 address assignment, and/or signed rental agreement or lease which shows occupancy of an owned or rented domicile
- Building contract (letter from builder, realtor, landlord, etc., which indicates 911 address and projected occupancy date)
- Current property tax bill/Maryland Department of Assessments and Taxation form;
- Current utility bill with parent(s)/guardian(s), name 911 address, and service address of a bona fide residence (no post office box is accepted - wireless telephone bills are not acceptable); Physical address and service address must match
- Landlord Affidavit (Signed, notarized SMCPS PS604 - Notarized Landlord Affidavit form from the landlord of the residence)
- Patuxent River Naval Base housing form NOW-NATC-1110-1/15, Assignment to Public Quarters, which identifies bona fide residence in St. Mary’s County or other official documentation of housing as provided through the Private-Public Venture Housing/Military Housing Privatization Initiative (Standard Lease Agreement)
- Hardship case as determined by the Director of Student Services
- Maryland Safe At Home Address Protection Program documentation (COMAR.01.02.11)
4. Income Verification
- 2024 IRS form (W2, 1099, 1040); OR
- Three (3) consecutive pay stubs within 3 months of submitting the Pre-K Application
- Additional income the parent(s)/guardian(s) receives to support the child and family may include:
- Temporary Cash Assistance (TCA) Letter displaying current and up to date verification and award amount
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) letter displaying current and up-to-date verification
- Proof the child receives Medicaid Services
- Child Support
- Social Security Insurance (SSI)
- Social Security Benefits or Pension
Organizing Required Documents
Before beginning the online process, it is important that parents/guardians collect all required documents. Scan/or take pictures, and have electronic access to the required documents. These required documents will need to be uploaded when completing the online application. It is important to note, a delay in receiving the required documents will delay the screening of the application.
The online application does allow a family to SAVE their progress and return to the application at a later date. The parent/guardian must provide their email address in order to retrieve a SAVED application.
When the parent/guardian completes the application, uploads all required documents and hits the SUBMIT button, the application is viewable by the home school and the ECE Review Team.
To make changes after an application has been submitted, please contact Charlottis Woodley at cmwoodley@smcps.org or call (301) 475-5511, ext. 32136.
Application Guide
How to Apply
It is recommended that all parent(s)/guardian(s) apply using the online application. The paper application is available in English and Spanish and can be retrieved from an Elementary School or contacting cmwoodley@smcps.org. It is necessary that copies of the required documents are submitted with a paper application. Upon completion, paper applications and required documents may be mailed or delivered in-person to the home school.
Early Childhood Education Review Team Determines Eligibility
All families are welcome to apply. However, income verification is required and is the primary determinant for acceptance for most applicants. All submitted applications are screened. The Pre-Kindergarten program is compelled by regulations to serve income-eligible students first. Applicants are not accepted on a first-come first-served basis.
The parent(s)/guardian(s) of applicants that meet Tier I eligibility criteria for acceptance, will receive acceptance notification in writing or by email starting Mid-May. Applicants that are not income eligible will be placed on an over income/waitlist. The waitlist families will be notified of their tier status beginning Mid-May via email.
After October 1, 2025, based on available space and site specific locations, families on the waitlist may be contacted in rank order and offered a seat in the Pre-Kindergarten 4 Program.
New Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) Federal Poverty Level Calculator
During the January 28, 2025 Maryland State Board of Education meeting, a presentation by the Division of Early Childhood confirmed that MSDE directed Local Education Agencies (LEAs) to use the Federal Poverty Levels (FPL) chart from the previous school year. In School Year 2025-2026, the 2024 FPL Chart will be used to determine income eligibility.
MSDE has provided LEAs with an interactive Pre-Kindergarten calculator which provides:
- Tier Level
- FPL Percentage
- Family Share: SMCPS is not implementing the Family Share for 2025-2026
This tool streamlines the process of determining eligibility and Tier status for families who wish to apply for enrollment in a Pre-Kindergarten 4 program. The calculator requires the family to input:
- Household size
- Household income
- Child’s age
Maryland State Department of Education Federal Poverty Level Calculator
If an application does not meet eligibility criteria, the parent(s)/guardian(s) will be notified in writing by the ECE Review Team. If the parent(s)/guardian(s) needs more information regarding the status of an application or would like to appeal a decision, they should contact Mrs. Charlottis Woodley via email at cmwoodley@smcps.org or call (301) 475-5511, ext. 32136.
Pre-Kindergarten School Registration
Applicants that are determined to be eligible will be registered at the home school or at a school with seat capacity. Parent(s)/Guardian(s) are required to complete the registration process by providing the following documentation to the home school.
- SMCPS Registration Information (PS 200)
- Photo Identification of Parent(s)/Guardian(s)
- Child’s Social Security Number (Optional)
- Record of Immunization
- Medical Physical Examination
- Maryland Home Language Survey
- Student Health Information
- Acceptable Use Policy for Technology
- Online Free and Reduced Price School Meals Application
- Child Custody or Court Orders
Home School District
Information regarding which school serves a family’s residential area is provided by the Department of Capital Planning. To locate a home school zone, please visit the school system website's Office of Capital Planning page. Use the Find a School by your address button to locate the home school by street name.
Bus Transportation
The safety of students during their transport to and from school is a responsibility that students and their parent(s)/guardian(s) share with the bus driver and school officials. A parent or designated responsible party (at least 13-years-old) must be at the bus stop to put the student on or take a student off the bus. If no adult is at the bus stop to receive a student, the student will be returned to the school.
The Department of Transportation publishes bus routes in July/August of each year. To locate the bus that is assigned to a family’s home address, go to the Bus Stop and School Locator. Here you will be able to locate the bus number and schedule.
Vaccination & Medical Information
In order for a child to enter a Maryland public school for the first time, the following health-related items are required:
Medical Physical Exam
- A physical examination by a physician or certified nurse practitioner must be completed within nine months prior to entering the public school system or within six months after entering the system.
Immunization Records
- Evidence of complete Maryland required immunizations for all students in preschool through the twelfth grade.
Blood Lead Certificate
- Evidence of Maryland required blood testing for lead screening is required for all students born on or after 1/1/2015 when first entering pre-kindergarten, kindergarten, and first grade.
If parents/guardians have any questions related to immunization or health requirements, you may contact the school nurse at your child’s school.
Pre-Kindergarten Locations
All families have access to a Pre-Kindergarten 4 program in an elementary school. There are three (3) schools where the students attend a Buddy School for the Pre-Kindergarten 4 experience. When the student enters Kindergarten, they return to their home school. Pre-Kindergarten Bus shuttle service is provided from the home school to the Buddy School.
Buddy Schools for the 2025-2026 school year
- Mechanicville Elementary students attend Oakville Elementary
- White Marsh Elementary students attend Lettie Marshall Dent Elementary
- Evergreen Elementary students attend Green Holly Elementary
Disclosure of Student Records
In accordance with St. Mary’s County Board of Education Regulations (JIH-R), the written consent of the parent(s)/guardian(s) must be obtained for disclosure of any personally identifiable records pertaining to a student for educational purposes such as registration and enrollment. Confidentiality will be maintained with regard to student records.
Student Transfer Request for 2025-2026 School Year
Parent(s)/guardian(s) may indicate on the Pre-Kindergarten 4 Application a desire to transfer their child to a school outside their home school zone. This does not guarantee that a child will be granted a student transfer. Permission to transfer from the home school to another school zone is a privilege that must be requested and approved annually by the Director of Student Services.
A transfer will only be considered after placement in the home school has been offered and if space exists at the requested transfer school. A parent/guardian may indicate on the Pre-Kindergarten 4 Application if they would like to be considered for a student transfer outside the home school zone. Home schools will provide the official Student Transfer Request forms to parent(s)/guardian(s) after admittance to the home school has been established. The ECE Review Team will not begin to process student transfer requests until late July or August.
Contact Information
All elementary schools will provide information about their Pre-Kindergarten 4 Program and are available to answer questions. Please visit the elementary school websites or call the main office for additional assistance.
Staff from the Early Childhood Education (ECE) Review Team is available to answer child specific questions regarding the Pre-Kindergarten 4 Program.
- For additional help and information, you may complete the helpdesk form
- call (301) 475-5511 x32136
- email cmwoodley@smcps.org.
Bilingual assistance is available. Hay asistencia bilingüe disponible.
