Investment in high-quality early childhood education and learning experiences, as outlined by the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future, means more equitable opportunities for children across the state to succeed as they begin their school careers. In this spirit, Baltimore City Public Schools has long offered pre-K for all families. With equity at the forefront, pre-K spots have always been offered first to families who qualify as Priority 1, according to state guidelines.
This year, to increase access for all families, City Schools has automated the process for enrolling in pre-K, allowing all families to apply for pre-K seats and their preferred schools centrally. Still, space is limited within each building, and access to strong foundational education must be offered first to families who need it most. The algorithm used by the automated enrollment system, SEMS, considers Priority, location, and siblings as it matches families to optimal school settings. To have the best chance at placement in a school that works well for your family’s needs, we encourage you to select up to five schools in your preferred order.
As you navigate this process, please know:
Families who qualify as Priority 1 will be placed first by the algorithm.
If a school does not fill with Priority 1 applicants in the first round, Priority 2 applicants will be placed with up to 15% of available seats reserved for Priority 1 students in the second round.
In the second round, the remaining seats will be filled by Priority 1 applicants first and then by Priority 2 applicants second.
Priority Level | Qualifications |
|---|---|
Priority 1 Children: | Are considered income-eligible or experiencing homelessness, receiving special education services, or eligible for English language services |
Priority 2 Children: | Are four years old by September 1st, but Are NOT considered income eligible, NOT experiencing homelessness, NOT receiving special education services, and NOT eligible for English language services |
For more information, visit our Pre-K and Kindergarten registration webpage.