Parent guide · Pre-K
What age is Pre-K? A guide for McKinney-area families.
Pre-K is the year before kindergarten, for four-year-olds. Here is how the Texas age cutoffs work, who qualifies for free public Pre-K, how Pre-K differs from preschool, and what Pre-K looks like at The Academy at Life Fellowship.
Pre-K: age 4
Kindergarten: age 5
Texas cutoff: September 1
The short answer
Pre-K is for four-year-olds, the year before kindergarten.
In Texas the age that counts is your child’s age on September 1 of the school year. A child who turns four on or before September 1 is in the Pre-K year; a child who turns four after that date is usually in a three-year-old preschool class for one more year.
Age 3
Preschool
Three-year-olds learn in a preschool classroom. Some Texas school districts also run Pre-K for eligible three-year-olds.
Age 4
Pre-K
Pre-K is for children who are four on or before September 1 of the school year: the year before kindergarten.
Age 5
Kindergarten
Texas kindergarten is for children who are five on or before September 1. A child who is already five on September 1 can’t enroll in public Pre-K.
Free public Pre-K in Texas
Who qualifies for free Pre-K?
Texas school districts offer free Pre-K to children who are four (or three, where the district has a three-year-old program) on or before September 1 and meet at least one state eligibility rule. Pre-K isn’t required in Texas; school attendance becomes required at age six.
In McKinney ISD, free full-day Pre-K for qualifying children is at Lawson Early Childhood School (7:40 AM–2:50 PM in 2026–27). Families in Allen, Frisco, and Plano should check with Allen ISD, Frisco ISD, or Plano ISD for their own Pre-K rules and dates.
Learning English (unable to speak and understand English yet)
Educationally disadvantaged, which generally means eligible for free or reduced-price school meals
Experiencing homelessness
The child of an active-duty service member, or of one injured or killed on active duty
In foster care now or at any time in the past
A few other groups set by state law, such as children of Star of Texas Award recipients
Families whose child doesn’t qualify, or who need care before and after the school day and through the summer, often choose a private Pre-K like ours.
Pre-K vs. preschool
Is Pre-K the same as preschool?
Not quite. Pre-K is one kind of preschool: the last year before kindergarten.
The broad term
Preschool
Any early-learning class before kindergarten, usually for ages two to four. At The Academy that means our two- and three-year-old classrooms.
The last preschool year
Pre-K
The year right before kindergarten, for four-year-olds, with more focus on kindergarten readiness: early literacy and math, writing, attention, and classroom routines.
Pre-K at The Academy
Christian Pre-K in McKinney, on a working family’s schedule.
Our Pre-K is at Life Fellowship Church in Craig Ranch, where McKinney meets Allen, Frisco, and Plano.
For four-year-olds, in a faith-based classroom with prayer, Bible stories, Christian music, and weekly chapel
Kindergarten readiness through early literacy, math, science, writing, and social confidence, with play still at the center
Open year-round, Monday–Friday, 6:30 AM–6:00 PM, with full-day options from 2 to 5 days a week
Lead teachers hold a Child Development Associate (CDA) credential
Children can grow from our two- and three-year-old preschool classes into Pre-K and on to before- and after-school care
Pre-K questions
Questions parents ask about Pre-K.
Short answers to the questions we hear most. For anything about your own child, ask us on a tour.
What age is Pre-K in Texas?
Pre-K is for children who are four years old on or before September 1 of the school year. Some districts also offer Pre-K for eligible three-year-olds.
Is Pre-K the same as preschool?
Pre-K is the last year of preschool, for four-year-olds. Preschool is the broader term for early-learning classes before kindergarten.
Is Pre-K required in Texas?
No. Neither Pre-K nor kindergarten is required; school attendance becomes required at age six. Most families still choose Pre-K to prepare for kindergarten.
My child turns four after September 1. Which class is right?
For Texas schools your child would be in the three-year-old year until the next school year. Ask us on a tour about the classroom that fits your child.
Can a five-year-old go to Pre-K?
Not in Texas public schools: a child who is five on September 1 is placed in kindergarten.
Does The Academy’s Pre-K follow the school calendar?
No. We’re open year-round, Monday through Friday, 6:30 AM–6:00 PM, so Pre-K families have care before and after the school-day hours and through the summer.
Sources: Texas Education Agency, Early Childhood Education FAQs; McKinney ISD, Pre-K program 2026–27. Checked November 2026. Rules and dates can change, so confirm with your school district.
Visit The Academy
Come see our Pre-K classroom.
A tour is the best way to see the classroom, meet the teachers, and ask about schedules, tuition, and availability.
Visit us
Conveniently located in Craig Ranch, McKinney, at Life Fellowship Church.
Right off SH 121 where McKinney meets Allen, Frisco, and Plano, we’re an easy drive for families in all four cities, and some of our families come from Melissa.
Address
6400 Henneman Way
McKinney, TX 75070
Craig Ranch, off SH 121 between Alma and Stacy roads
Hours
Monday–Friday
6:30 AM–6:00 PM
Phone