SMCPS pre‑K applications open April 13; all county programs hold high Maryland EXCELS ratings

St. Mary's County Public Schools staff presented details April 8 about the district’s prekindergarten program and application process, saying the online application will open Monday, April 13.

Early childhood staff said all 15 county pre‑K programs currently meet Maryland EXCELS level 4 or 5 standards and are staffed with a team of three adults per classroom (one teacher and two paraeducators). Class sizes are capped at 20 students. Instruction emphasizes early language and literacy, early numeracy, social‑emotional development and hands‑on learning.

Eligibility for school year 2027 requires the child to be 4 on or before Sept. 1 (birth dates between 09/02/2021 and 09/01/2022) and residency in St. Mary's County. For grant‑funded slots the district is using a 300%‑of‑federal‑poverty‑level threshold for income‑based tiering; staff noted pending state legislation (Senate Bill 284) that could expand tier 2 from 301% to 450% if signed by the governor, in which case the district will follow Maryland State Department of Education guidance and notify families of any change.

The district offers both online and paper applications (English and Spanish), bilingual assistance, and a 24‑hour online help desk for families. Staff described the verification process for documents, timelines for notifications (families begin to be notified mid‑May) and supports for waitlisted families. The first day of school orientation for pre‑K is Aug. 26 and bus transportation for pre‑K students begins Aug. 27.

Board members thanked staff for outreach efforts and for moving all pre‑K students to full‑day programs.