Manassas City Public Schools (MCPS) provide a quality preschool experience with comprehensive services at no cost to qualifying families who reside in Manassas City. Your family may qualify for PreK if you:

• Have a child who will be 4 by September 30;

• Receive free or reduced-price school meals, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), Social Security Income, and/or homeless per definition of the McKinney Vento Act;

• Receive resources such as from a shelter and/or the MCPS homeless liaison office;

• Reside in Manassas City; or 

• Meet qualifying income. 

Though families may qualify, spaces are limited and selection is based on need, not “first come, first serve”, with PreK priority given to 4 year olds.

Manassas City Public Schools utilizes the Virginia Pre-School Initiative (VPI) to serve at-promise 4-year-olds in the City of Manassas. We engage in an innovative, shared responsibility model to fully utilize available funds. We recognize that family and community engagement is essential for student achievement. MCPS is committed to developing early learning services that enable families and caregivers, teachers, administrators, community-based partners, businesses, and social service agencies to help their children at school, at home, and in our community. 

Where do I apply?
Please contact your neighborhood school or  click here to complete the Prek Application Form 2025-26 to start the application process for the 2025-26 school year. Once the form is completed, Central Office staff will contact you for an interview appointment in the summer. A student's neighborhood school is determined by the student's home address. Applications will be accepted from February 14 -May 14, 2025. Applications submitted on or after May 15th, will be placed on a waiting list. 

MCPS schools served by VPI

Baldwin Elementary 571-377-6100
Jennie Dean Elementary 571-377-6300
Haydon Elementary 571-377-6200
Round Elementary 571-377-6400
Weems Elementary 571-377-6500

Not sure which school boundary you reside in?