Free Pre-K That Gives Your Child the Best Possible Start
Make a Choice for Your Child That Starts Them Off Right
The early learning years shape everything that comes after. Uplift Education offers free Pre-K* at campuses across Dallas, Fort Worth, Arlington, Grand Prairie, Irving, and DeSoto — giving your 3 or 4-year-old a joyful, play-based introduction to school that builds the social, emotional, and early academic skills they’ll lean on for years to come.
At Uplift Education, our Pre-K classrooms are built around how young children actually learn — through play, conversation, songs, and hands-on discovery, guided by caring teachers who know your child by name.
Interested in Learning More?
Learn more about our network of 45 public charter schools and our 30-year history of success preparing scholars for college, career, and life.
Why Does Pre-K Matter for My Child?
The early learning years are when your child’s brain is developing faster than at any other point in their life. Pre-K is where children learn to listen and follow along, share and take turns, work through a daily routine, and build the early language, math, and pre-reading skills that make kindergarten feel like a natural next step instead of a big leap.
Starting strong now means starting kindergarten with confidence — and a love of learning that lasts.
Free, State-Funded Pre-K for Your 3- or 4-Year-Old
Uplift Education’s Pre-K program is completely free for qualified children who are 3½ or 4 years old on or before September 1. Because it’s a state-funded program, families must also meet at least one additional state eligibility requirement — such as household income, or a parent in the military — to attend.
Free to qualifying families — no tuition, and no testing to apply.
Easy application — Uplift’s simple online application takes about five minutes to complete.
A head start on the years ahead — enrolling in Pre-K guarantees your child a spot at the same Uplift campus in the years ahead.
Or 4, on or before Sept 1
The Pre-K Lottery & Admission Process
Apply by Feb. 1 for the best opportunity for seat selection at Uplift Education, but we accept applications all year long. The Pre-K application process is the same as other Uplift grades; however, in accordance with state guidelines for our state-funded program, Pre-K offers and eligibility meetings begin in April. Once an offer is made, parents must complete the online registration, and then must verify their eligibility through an online or in-person meeting. View the state eligibility requirements.
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February
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Mar – Jul
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Apply Today!
It’s free and takes about 5 minutes.
We Go Beyond ABCs and 123s
At Uplift, Pre-K means caring teachers, play-based learning, and a school where your child’s whole self — mind, heart, and safety — is looked after every day.
Caring, Consistent Teachers
Small classrooms and conscious discipline routines create a calm, connected space where your child feels safe, known, and ready to learn.
Play-based Learning
Morning sing and dance sessions, hands-on choice time and interest areas turn everyday play into early math, science, and language learning.
Growing Little Communicators
Reflection discussions, and two read-alouds every day build vocabulary, listening skills, and a love of books.
Small-Group Support
Teachers work with small groups at just the right level, so every child is challenged and supported.
Active, Outdoor Learning
Daily indoor or outdoor play builds big-muscle skills alongside group cooperation and teamwork.
Calm, Confident Kids
Quiet & relaxation time and closing recaps help children reset, reflect, and build the emotional regulation skills they’ll use for life.
Every day follows a predictable rhythm your child can count on — because young children thrive on routine, warmth, and knowing what comes next.
Want the full quarter-by-quarter breakdown?
A Focus on the Whole Child: Well-Being at Uplift
Academics are only part of the picture. We care about how your child feels, every single day.
Daily Well-Being Checks
Every child is checked in on, every day, so no one slips through the cracks.
Character Development Woven Into Play
Kindness, responsibility, and respect are taught right alongside reading and math.
Social/Behavioral Counselors on Every Campus
Trained support staff are on-site to help your child navigate big feelings and new friendships.
Your child is known, seen, and supported here — not just another face in the crowd.
A Smaller, Close-Knit School Community
Uplift campuses are smaller than most district schools, which means something important: your family isn’t just a number.
Staff Know Your Child by Name
From the front office to the classroom, the adults on campus know who your child is.
Parents are Part of Campus Life
Families are welcomed and encouraged to volunteer, visit, and take part.
A Family Feel for Young Scholars
Younger children feel safe, comfortable, and ready to learn.
Safety: Always a Top Priority
We know safety is your top priority, and it’s ours too.
Secure, Monitored Campuses
Fenced, gated campuses with secure, monitored entryways.
Caring, Trained Staff
Adults trained to look out for every child, every day.
Clear Check-in / Check-out
Documented arrival and dismissal procedures, for your peace of mind.
Learn more about our full safety protocols.
How to Apply
It’s easy! Uplift Education schools are tuition-free, but because space is limited, families apply through a random lottery. There are no entrance exams or academic requirements — just complete your application, and your registration if you’re offered a seat.
Apply
Create your free account and submit your application in about 5 minutes. You can choose up to 3 schools.
Accept your offer
Beginning February 1, families receive either a seat offer or a waitlist notification. If you’re offered a seat, simply complete your registration to secure your spot.
Our results
Every Senior Accepted to College Again
For more than two decades, 100% of Uplift seniors have earned college acceptance — and most are the first in their family to go. That track record starts in kindergarten.
1,000+
seniors with 100% college acceptance
75%
first in their families to attend college
2X+
higher than the state average for college readiness
4X
the national college graduation rate
There’s an Uplift School near you
Uplift Education serves families across the DFW metroplex — including Dallas, Fort Worth, Arlington, Grand Prairie, Irving, and DeSoto — with a tuition-free, quality education.
20
Campuses across DFW
45
Schools — primary, middle & high
Pre-K Questions, Answered
Everything families ask us most about enrolling a Pre-K scholar at Uplift Education.
Yes. Uplift Pre-K is a state-funded program that is free to families who meet state eligibility requirements — there is no tuition or paid option. Click to view state eligibility requirements.
Your child must be 3½ or 4 years old on or before September 1 to apply for Pre-K at Uplift Education.
Because Uplift Education Pre-K is state-funded, at least one additional requirement must also be met, such as household income, or a parent who is an active, deceased, or injured member of the U.S. armed forces. View the full list of eligibility requirements on our Pre-K Eligibility page.
The Pre-K application process is the same as other Uplift grades, and an application must be submitted prior to the lottery deadline of early February to be included in our lottery, but applications are accepted after our lottery date. However, Uplift only offers the state-funded program, therefore, in accordance with state guidelines, offers for spots and eligibility meetings begin April 1. See the full process above ↑
We prioritize the safety and security of our campuses. Uplift has extensive plans in place to address safety issues within our control at each of our campuses. Learn more about our Campus Security and Safety.
Uplift Education serves families throughout North Texas. Enter your address on our Locations page to find the school nearest you.
Uplift offers free Pre-K at campuses in Dallas, Fort Worth, Arlington, Grand Prairie, Irving, DeSoto, and surrounding communities. Enter your address on our Locations page to find the campus closest to you.
While most of our Pre-K classes are on the main school campus, a few are held at a nearby Uplift sister school due to space limitations. But no matter where your child attends Uplift Pre-K, they will still get automatic admission to Kindergarten at the school in which they are enrolled.
| School | Location for Pre-K | Address |
|---|---|---|
| Uplift Hampton | At Uplift Gradus | 121 Seahawk Dr, DeSoto, TX 75115 |
| Uplift Mighty | At Uplift Meridian | 1801 S Beach St, Fort Worth, TX 76105 |
| Uplift Summit | At Uplift Crescendo | 1200 Cooks Ln, Fort Worth, TX 76120 |
| Uplift Wisdom | At Uplift Pinnacle | 2510 S Vernon Ave, Dallas, TX 75224 |
All other Uplift Education schools offering Pre-K host classes on their home campus.
Yes, every Uplift Pre-K is a full-day program.
Nothing! Pre-K is where the learning begins. Our teachers meet every child right where they are.
Our classrooms are built around caring, consistent teachers and play-based learning that grows communication, early academic skills, and confidence — all in a warm, predictable daily routine.
Yes. Every Uplift campus has a counselor licensed in social work, daily well-being checks for every student, and character development built directly into everyday activities.
Our campuses are smaller than most district schools, creating a close, family-like community where staff get to know your child and your family personally.
Yes, and we encourage it! Parent involvement is a big part of the Uplift community, especially for our youngest scholars.
Yes. Uplift offers a full path from Pre-K through 12th grade, so your child can grow with the same trusted network their entire school career. Plus, as long as your child stays at Uplift Education, their spot is guaranteed in the next grade each year.
100% of Uplift graduates are accepted to college, and they test college-ready at nearly 3 times the state average — a track record built over 30 years. See more of our results.
