Asheville City Schools Preschool Program

We offer high quality preschool education for 3- and 4-year-olds in the ACS district at Asheville Primary School, Hall Fletcher, Ira B. Jones, and Isaac Dickson.

Our innovation enrollment design blends tuition with no-cost, income-based programs to offer a diverse preschool experience within our public schools.

Click below on Pre-K Enrollment Information for details about our enrollment options and process. You can also contact our Preschool Enrollment and Engagement Coordinator for more information or to schedule a visit: Polly Bolding; polly.bolding@acsgmail.net; 828.350.2926

July 2020 Update from Preschool Director Susanna Smith:

Preschool Program: ACS district leadership has agreed that the Preschool Program will open as planned in August with a staggered start, and will operate daily regardless of the K-12 decision of "Option B."  The Preschool Program operates under the NC Division of Child Development (DCDEE) through the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS).  All licensed childcare facilities have been authorized to operate as essential businesses through DCDEE.  

Montessori Pre-K:  Montessori Pre-K is an unlicensed preschool option (operating under the NC Department of Public Instruction, not DCDEE) and following the Governor's decision we are working with the Asheville Primary principal to finalize plans for our Montessori Pre-K, and contact currently assigned students with this information.

Due to the increase in health and safety regulations, all Preschool classrooms will operate with reduced class sizes of 15 children.  We will also reduce the full-day hours of operation at Asheville Primary School to 7:30-4:00 to ensure we have the staffing needed to comply with enhanced health and safety regulations throughout the day. The school day at APS will remain 8:00-2:30 ($525/month tuition); however, as the full-day option will run until only 4:00 pm, the full-day tuition rate will be reduced to $675/month.  All other sites will continue to operate on the regular school day hours.

We have created a Health and Safety Handbook in addition to our regular handbook, which outlines how our Preschool classrooms will integrate the current licensed child care health and safety protocols.  Please review this handbook for guidance on what new procedures will be in place for Preschool staff, children, and families starting in August.  

Please reach out to us if you have any questions or concerns:

Susanna Smith

Preschool Program Director

Pre-K Enrollment Information