Preschool spots are open at the Cleveland Metropolitan School District (CMSD), and the district is hosting six events this month to walk parents through the enrollment process.
Parents can enroll their children in the district’s free preschool programs for the 2025-2026 school year directly at the sessions, or they can just ask questions and learn more about their options.
The preschool enrollment sessions will be at CMSD’s Office of Professional Development (1349 E. 79th St.) in the St. Clair-Superior neighborhood. There will be sessions throughout May, but the only one in an evening is on this Wednesday, May 7.
- May 7 — 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.
- May 7 — 4 p.m. – 7 p.m.
- May 14 — 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.
- May 20 — 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.
- May 21 — 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.
- May 22 — 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.
There are about 1,800 total spots for preschool students, and about 200 children are going through the enrollment process now.
Preschool students go into school for full days, and they get free breakfast and lunch every day. The district has highly rated preschool programs at more than 40 elementary schools.
Children have to be at least four years old by Sept. 30 and potty trained to enroll in preschool. Most CMSD preschool programs only accept Cleveland residents, but there are some open spots at single-gender and Montessori schools for families who live outside the city.
If parents want to enroll their children during a session, they will need to bring the following documents.
- Proof of residence (utility bill, lease agreement or mortgage statement)
- Immunization record
- Physical exam record
- Valid ID (driver’s license, passport, green card etc.)
- Child’s birth certificate
- Custodial documents
- Income verification through the following documents:
- Consecutive pay stubs from the last 30 days
- Benefits letter
- Benefits card
- SSI Letter
- Medicaid card (copy both sides)
Click here to visit CMSD’s preschool enrollment webpage.