Full Menu

Virginia Preschool Initiative (VPI)

VPI is a free program for four-year-old children.  Students engage in enriching educational experiences, explore learning materials and new ideas, and build their skills as they prepare to enter kindergarten.

Spaces are limited. Learn about the application process and required documents.


We’re here to help! For assistance or questions about eligibility, contact the APS Welcome Center at 703-228-8000 (option 3) or schooloptions@apsva.us

Eligibility

Age

Children must be 4 years old on or before September 30th.

Family Income

The 2024 Federal Poverty Guidelines are used to determine financial eligibility.

  • Families with income at or below the values in the green column are eligible.
  • Families with income at or below the values in the yellow column may also qualify, based on local eligibility criteria, and are encouraged to apply.
Number in Family/Household Annual Income (200% Federal Poverty Level) Annual Income (350% Federal Poverty Level)
2 $40,880.00 $71,540.00
3 $51,640.00 $90,370.00
4 $62,400.00 $109,200.00
5 $73,160.00 $128,030.00
6 $83,920.00 $146,860.00
7 $94,680.00 $165,690.00
8 $105,440.00 $184,520.00

Priority

Applications received during the primary application window are placed together in one pool of applicants and are then divided according to the percentage of federal poverty noted on the application.

Priority is given to families at the lowest income levels.

VPI is offered at 12 neighborhood schools and 4 option schools

How do I find out what my assigned neighborhood school is?

All home addresses in Arlington are assigned to an APS neighborhood school.

  • Enter your address in the Boundary (Attendance Area) Locator to determine your neighborhood school.
  • For questions about boundary zones, call 703-228-8000 and select option 9.

My neighborhood school DOES offer VPI. What do I do?

Apply to VPI at your neighborhood school, and if interested, the option schools.

Neighborhood schools:

Abingdon, Alice West Fleet, Ashlawn, Barcroft, Barrett, Carlin Springs, Dr. Charles R. Drew, Hoffman-Boston, Innovation, Long Branch, Oakridge, Randolph

Option Schools:

  • Arlington Traditional School
  • Campbell
  • Escuela Key and Claremont (Dual Language English and Spanish Immersion) program. Note: Families can only apply to ONE Dual Language School based on their assigned neighborhood school.

My neighborhood school DOES NOT offer VPI. What do I do?

Families may apply to VPI at Innovation Elementary School and the option schools.

Option Schools:

  • Arlington Traditional School
  • Campbell
  • Escuela Key and Claremont (Dual Language English and Spanish Immersion) program. Note: Families can only apply to ONE Dual Language School based on their assigned neighborhood school.

About VPI

Curriculum and Program Info

The curriculum is research-based, fosters the development of literacy and math skills, and builds social-emotional foundations for lifetime learning.

Children receive differentiated instruction based on the Early Learning and Development Standards (ELDS).

Students participate in art, music, physical education, library and other school wide activities and special offerings as appropriate.

Each class will have a maximum of 18 students and a full time certified teacher and instructional assistant.

Schedule:

Rest – Students have rest time in the afternoon.

Home Visit

The purpose of the home visit is to help the child make a smooth transition from home to school and to create a positive connection between the teacher and the child’s family.

A home visit is a special time that families can share about their child and their family.

Teachers will also share valuable information during the home visit that will help a family prepare their child to be successful in school.

Home visits are an opportunity to build relationships between home and school. When there is a positive and open relationship, children succeed!

Transportation

Transportation is provided for all VPI students—except for those who live within the walk zone of the school they are attending.

Learn more about transportation.

Toilet Training Guidelines for VPI

Parents are encouraged to have their child toilet trained at the time of entry to the program.

Q. What does it mean to be “toilet trained”?

A.  The Office of Early Childhood understands that being toilet trained is a developmental skill that children reach at different ages. A toilet trained child:

  • Wears underwear during the day at school and at home
  • Indicates the need to use the bathroom
  • Uses the bathroom independently
  • Can remove most clothes and put clothes back on as necessary.
    • Toileting accidents are expected as a rare occurrence. A child is not yet considered toilet trained for APS preschool programs if the child has 8 or more toileting accidents the first month of school.
    • Staff will determine whether a child is toilet trained if the he/she is aware of the need to use the toilet and is able to independently remove clothing in advance of using the toilet.

Toilet Training Resources for Families