HomeChild CareOhioColumbus City Schools Pre-K

How to Apply: Columbus City Schools Pre-K

Ohio · 6 Steps

Columbus City Schools district families with a child who turns 4 by September 30 and is potty-trained

Take it one step at a time. We're here to help.

Quick facts

Central Enrollment Center614-365-4011

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ECE Enrollment Team380-997-5192

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Parent Portal Help380-997-7245

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Special Needs Preschool office614-365-5204

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Who it's forColumbus district kids who are potty-trained

Ages4 by September 30 (3 with special needs)

What it costsFree

DeadlineApplications usually open in early spring

Step 1 of 6: See if your child qualifies
- Turns 4 by September 30
- Lives in the district
- Potty-trained
Good to know: 3-year-olds may qualify through special-needs Pre-K - call 614-365-5204.
Step 2 of 6: Get your papers ready
- Birth certificate or passport
- Your ID
- Lease or utility bill
- Shot record and well-child exam
Important: The well-child exam must be from the last 12 months.
Step 3 of 6: Register online
- Sign up with SpeedyPass (opens in a new tab)
- Upload your papers
- Zoom meeting with enrollment staff
Important: Applications open April 1, 2025 and are processed in the order received.
Step 4 of 6: Pick your schools
- Set up the Parent Portal
- Choose up to 3 Pre-K sites
Step 5 of 6: Accept your offer
- Answer within 48 hours
- Need help? Call 614-365-4011
Don't miss: You have only 48 hours to accept an enrollment offer.
Step 6 of 6: Start Pre-K in the fall
- Go to orientation
- School day 9:00 to 3:30, Mon-Fri
Important: Bus rides are only for students with an IEP.
Good to know: Pre-K is free - welcome to the school family!

A "how to" guide to help you navigate the application process for Columbus City Schools Pre-K.

What is Columbus City Schools Pre‑Kindergarten?

This is a free, tuition‑waived Pre‑K program for 4‑year-olds living in the Columbus City School District. It gives children a strong early start with education, health support, and community partnerships to prepare them for kindergarten success.

How do I apply for Pre‑Kindergarten?

All applications are done online through the district’s SpeedyPass/Online Registration (OLR) portal:

Online only: Apply at ccsoh.us/enroll, using SpeedyPass

Multilingual support: You can choose Spanish, Somali, Nepali, etc.

No mail, fax, in-person, or phone applications accepted for enrollment.

How long does it take to receive a placement?

Applications open on April 1, 2025 and are processed in the order received.

You’ll receive a Parent Portal email once your application and documents are processed.

You then choose up to three schools in the portal and will get an offer if space is available. Offers must be accepted within 48 hours.

What do the application steps look like?

Gather required documents (see below).

Complete the Online Registration via SpeedyPass at ccsoh.us/enroll.

Upload all required documents when prompted.

Meet virtually with an Enrollment Specialist (via Zoom).

Activate your Parent Portal after your application is processed.

Select up to three Pre‑K sites in the portal on or after April 1, 2025.

Accept your enrollment offer within 48 hours.

Attend orientation and start Pre‑K in the fall.

What documentation is required when I fill out my application?

Child’s Age / ID

Birth certificate or passport

Parent/Guardian ID

Driver’s license, state ID, or passport

Proof of Residency

Lease or utility bill; or 2 recent pay stubs or W-2 with address ccsoh.us

Immunization & Medical

Up-to-date shot record

Well-child exam (physical) within 12 months; submit via fax or email

Income Verification

Two recent pay stubs or tax return;

OR award letters for benefits (unemployment, SNAP, etc.)

If no income, a signed Declaration of Zero Income

Additional Forms

Eligibility Screening Tool

Pre‑K Enrollment Packet (family info, health forms).

Common FAQs

1. Is there a cost?No. The program is tuition-free for all eligible families.

2. Who can enroll?Children who are 4 by September 30, live in the Columbus City School district, and are potty-trained.

3. What about 3-year-olds or special-needs children?3-year-olds may qualify only through special-needs Pre-K. For those, contact the Special Needs Preschool office at 614‑365‑5204.

4. Is transportation provided?Only for students with an IEP. Otherwise, families are responsible for transport.

5. What are the program hours?Full day is generally 9:00 am–3:30 pm, Monday–Friday. Special-needs classes are half-day.