The Corpus Christi Independent School District (CCISD) is hosting a pre-kindergarten registration event on Saturday, February 8, 2025, to help families enroll their children for the upcoming school year. The event will occur from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Corpus Christi ISD Instructional Resource Center at 4321 Prescott St.
This event allows families to learn about CCISD’s pre-K program, eligibility requirements, and tuition details while completing the registration process.
Who is Eligible for Free Pre-K?
Pre-K is free for qualifying Texas students, including those who:
- Are eligible for the National Free or Reduced-Price Lunch Program (based on household income).
- Are non-English speakers or have limited English proficiency.
- Are in foster care or currently homeless.
- Have a parent who serves in the armed forces or works as a peace officer, firefighter, or emergency medical responder (qualifying for the Star of Texas Award).
For families who do not meet these requirements, CCISD charges monthly tuition:
- $486 per month for non-CCISD employees.
- $388 per month for CCISD employees.
CCISD’s Expanding Pre-K Program
CCISD plans to serve 2,070 students in the upcoming school year. The district offers pre-K programs at every elementary campus except Windsor Park Elementary, which begins at first grade.
The district has recently expanded its pre-K offerings and incorporated more experiential learning, emphasizing play-based education. This model has been proven to enhance early childhood development and prepare students for long-term academic success.
What Parents Need to Bring for Registration
To complete registration at the event, parents should bring the following documents:
✅ Birth certificate or baptismal record.
✅ Child’s Social Security card (if available).
✅ Proof of residence (utility bill, lease agreement, etc.).
✅ Immunization records.
✅ Proof of income.
✅ Food Stamp or TANF case number (if applicable).
Why Pre-K Matters
Although pre-K is not mandatory in Texas, research shows high-quality early childhood education significantly benefits children by improving their literacy, math skills, and social-emotional development. However, Texas does not fully fund universal pre-K, leading districts like CCISD to charge tuition for non-qualifying students.
To provide more children with access to early learning opportunities, CCISD and surrounding districts, such as Gregory-Portland ISD, have implemented play-based learning models designed to foster creativity and critical thinking.
How CCISD Stands Out
CCISD offers pre-kindergarten registration across multiple campuses, including the Early Childhood Development Center (ECDC), which was recently named a finalist in the H-E-B Excellence in Education Awards. This recognition highlights CCISD’s commitment to high-quality early childhood education.
For more details, families can visit the Texas Education Agency (TEA) website to check district boundaries and explore pre-K options.