Free Public Pre-K in Texas: Who Qualifies and How to Enroll
- Accessible Education
- Jul 18
- 3 min read
Updated: Nov 10
Did you know many families in Texas can access high-quality preschool at no cost? Here’s what you need to know to get started.
If your child will be 4 years old on or before September 1st, they may be eligible to attend free pre-kindergarten through your local public school district.
Some districts also offer free pre-k for 3-year-olds if they meet the same eligibility requirements and the district has a 3-year-old program available.
What are the eligibility criteria?
Your child only needs to meet one of the following criteria to qualify:
Economically disadvantaged (based on household income)
English Language Learner (Emergent Bilingual)
Homeless or unhoused
Currently or formerly in foster care
Has a parent who is active-duty military or was injured/killed in the line of duty
Has a parent who has received the Star of Texas Award (peace officers, firefighters, or EMS first responders)
But what do these terms actually mean?
Here's a quick breakdown to help you know if your child might qualify:
Economically Disadvantaged
Your child qualifies if your family meets the income guidelines for the free/reduced lunch program.
For example:
A family of 4 earning $59,478/year or less (before taxes) qualifies for reduced-price meals
A family of 4 earning $41,795/year or less qualifies for free meals
Also, if anyone in your household receives SNAP, TANF, or FDPIR benefits, your child qualifies automatically.
English Language Learner / Emergent Bilingual
If your child speaks a language other than English at home or is still learning English, they may qualify. Schools use a simple home language survey at enrollment and a quick language screener to determine eligibility.
Don’t worry, you don’t have to figure this out alone! The school will guide you through it.
Homeless or Unhoused
This definition originates from the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act, which ensures that all children have access to education, regardless of their housing status.
This includes children who:
Share housing with others due to a loss of housing or financial hardship
Live in shelters, motels, cars, campgrounds, or places not meant for regular housing
Live in transitional housing or with no permanent home
Foster Care
If your child is currently in foster care or has ever been in the Texas foster system, even briefly, they qualify for free pre-K.
Military-Connected Families
Children qualify if a parent is:
Active duty in the U.S. military (including the reserves)
Injured or killed in the line of duty
Star of Texas Award
If a parent has received the Star of Texas Award, which honors first responders (peace officers, firefighters, and EMS) who were seriously injured or killed in the line of duty, their child is eligible.
Not sure if you qualify?
Locate your local school district, and they can help guide you through the application and screening process.
Learn more and check the full official eligibility guidelines from the Texas Education Agency (TEA) website.
Not in Texas?
Free pre-kindergarten is supported in part by federal funding and is offered in many states for eligible families. Programs and requirements vary, so check with your state’s department of education or local school district to learn what’s available where you live. You may still be eligible for free or reduced-cost early childhood education.
