Virginia's Focus on School Readiness
The years before a child enters kindergarten directly impact a child’s ability to thrive in kindergarten and beyond. School Readiness means preparing all children for kindergarten by supporting birth-to-age-five programming, including the Virginia Preschool Initiative (VPI/Smart Start). Virginia's focus includes key classroom practices such as the use of high-quality curriculum and assessment, teacher-child interactions and individualized professional development. It also includes strengthening family engagement.
Through generous grant funding provided by the Virginia Department of Education, Amherst County Public Schools is able to provide programming for eligible four year olds. Amherst County Public Schools also partners with Bright Beginnings Central Virginia and Lyn-CAG Head Start in order to provide various preschool opportunities for three and four year olds as well. Acceptance for all programs are based on eligibility and availability of slots. Additional information is provided below.
Amherst County Public Schools' Smart Start Preschool Program
Información general sobre el programa pre-escolar Smart Start
Free, full-day preschool program that meets all Virginia State Standards for preschool education for your 4-year-old (Child must be 4 on or before September 30th of the school year applying for).
4 Locations:
Amelon Elementary
Amherst Elementary
Central Elementary
Madison Heights Elementary
No cost for Breakfast, Lunch, and Snack. All school supplies provided. Transportation available.
To learn more about our 2023-2024 Smart Start program, please see the information in the documents linked below.
English 4 Year Old 2023-2024 Preschool Flyer Programa Smart Start de ACPS 2023-2024
We are currently accepting applications for the 2023-2024 school year beginning February 28, 2023. To apply for the 2023-2024 school year, please use the links below.