Registration is closed.
About PreK4Ward
PreK4Ward is a grant-funded initiative created to promote kindergarten readiness. This program is offered through a partnership between United Way of South Mississippi and participating local school districts. PreK4Ward provides a structured learning environment with a rigorous curriculum designed to prepare your child for success in kindergarten.
The program follows the Mississippi Early Learning Standards for Infants through Four-Year-Olds and incorporates the Heggerty Phonemic Awareness Curriculum to support early literacy development.
Due to high demand and limited enrollment capacity, we strongly recommend that all families have an alternative plan for their child’s preschool year. Please note: Completing the Pre-Registration form does not guarantee acceptance into the program.
Before applying, please review all PreK4Ward materials on this website—especially the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) section.
Eligibility Requirements:
- Children must be 4 years old on or before September 1 of the upcoming school year. This age requirement is strictly enforced with no exceptions.
- PreK4Ward is tuition-free, but a non-refundable $250 registration fee is required at the time of final registration.
- Eligible students must reside in either the Harrison County School District or the Gulfport School District.
- Families living in the Biloxi, Long Beach, or Pass Christian school districts—or in surrounding counties—are not eligible.
- Exceptions: Children of active-duty military or children living out-of-district may be eligible if a parent is employed by a school district where PreK4Ward is offered.
Need help verifying your address?
Click the link below and enter your home address to determine your eligibility by location.
https://grpc.maps.arcgis.com/apps/instant/lookup/index.html?appid=386ff1e24ef44b888fc4951c6131459d
PreK4Ward 2025-2026 Registration Timeline
February 2025 – Online Pre-Registration opened at 10:00 AM on the United Way of South Mississippi website.
April 30, 2025 – Online Pre-Registration closed at 5:00 PM.
May 2025 – United Way of South Mississippi will begin notifying families of acceptance via email. This process will take several weeks to complete. Each classroom must reach 20 confirmed students before final acceptance is guaranteed. Some families may be placed on a temporary waiting list during this time.
Parents are responsible for regularly checking the email address provided during registration for updates.
June 2025 – PreK4Ward Parent Orientation and Final Registration sessions for the Gulfport School District (GSD) classes will be held at the Knight Non-Profit Center located at 11975 Seaway Road Gulfport, MS 39503. Your child is welcome to attend, but it is not required.
- An overview of the program including a review of the requirements and expectations will be presented first and then parents will complete the registration process.
- Select a date below that works best for you. You must arrive on time, and attendance is required to register your child.
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- Wednesday, June 25, 2025, at 1:00 pm
- Make up Days:
- Tuesday, July 8, 2025, at 1:00 pm
- Wednesday, July 16, 2025, at 10:00 am
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June & July 2025 – PreK4Ward Parent Orientation and Final Registration sessions for the Harrison County School District (HCSD) classes will be held at the Knight Non-Profit Center located at 11975 Seaway Road Gulfport, MS 39503. Your child is welcome to attend, but it is not required.
- An overview of the program including a review of the requirements and expectations will be presented first and then parents will complete the registration process.
- Select a date below that works best for you. You must arrive on time, and attendance is required to register your child.
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- Thursday, June 26, 2025, at 2:00 pm
- Tuesday, July 8, 2025, at 1:00 pm
- Wednesday, July 16, 2025, at 10:00 am
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Gulfport School District
The first day of PreK4Ward class is Monday, July 28, 2025. The last day of school is Thursday, May 21, 2026, graduation will be on Friday, May 22, 2026.
Harrison County School District
The first day of PreK4Ward class is Thursday, July 31, 2025.
- Lizana, River Oaks, Saucier
Last day of school is Friday, May 1, 2026
Graduation will be on Monday, May 4, 2026.
- North Woolmarket, North Gulfport, D’Iberville
Last day of school is Monday, May 4, 2026
Graduation will be on Tuesday, May 5, 2026
- Crossroads, Bel-Aire, and Harrison Central
Last day of school is Tuesday, May 5, 2026
Graduation will be on Wednesday, May 6, 2026
Prepare for Registration
- If your child has an IEP (Individualized Education Program) issued by a school district, please email a copy to education@unitedwaysm.org prior to final registration. A staff member will contact you once the document has been reviewed.
- The invite email will include a check list of documents and forms for you to fill out and sign.
- The required $250 registration fee is non-refundable. “Text to Pay” option will be provided at registration. Checks, cash, and money orders are also accepted.
- Registration fee is due on the day you register your child.
PreK4Ward Registration Forms
“PreK4Ward Registration Forms” – If you are not able to download and print these documents, they will be provided at registration.
- PreK4Ward Student Check Out / Emergency Contact Information
- PreK4Ward Attendance Agreement
- PreK4Ward Parent Agreement
- PreK4Ward Photo Release Form
- PreK4Ward Student Information
- Health Report for the School Nurse
- PreK4Ward Parent Guide Acknowledgement
PreK4Ward Required Eligibility Documents
Bringing legible photocopies of the “PreK4Ward Required Eligibility Documents” will greatly speed up your registration process.
We follow the School District’s registration guidelines; therefore, parents will be required to provide the following documents.
- Certified copy of Birth Certificate – Must be 4 years old by 9/1/2025
- Student’s Social Security card
- Guardianship (Legal guardians must provide a copy of the most recent court order, signed by a judge, appointing them as legal guardians.)
- A Mississippi Certificate of Immunization Compliance Form — Must indicate “Complete for school entry (K4-6th grade)”
- If the child is not yet 4 years old the form should indicate “temporarily compliant”. Students are required to receive that last shot within 30 days after 4th birthday.
- Verification of Residency: Two of the items listed below must be provided as verification of residency. Documents showing a post office box as parent address cannot be accepted.
- Filed Homestead Exemption Application
- Mortgage documents or property deed
- Apartment or home lease
- Current Utility bills
- Driver’s license
- Voter registration card
- Automobile registration
Frequently Asked Questions
We know that you as a parent will have a lot of questions. After all this is about your child’s education. Please take a moment to read through these FAQ’s about PreK4Ward.
What is the curriculum for PreK4ward?
PreK4Ward utilizes the “Mississippi Department of Education Early Learning Standards for Classrooms serving 4-year old’s” to ensure that students leave academically and socially prepared to enter kindergarten.
How many teachers and students are there in a classroom?
Each classroom will have up to 20 students, a Lead Teacher and Teaching Assistant. All of our teachers have significant experience in Elementary and/or Early Childhood education.
Where are the PreK4Ward Classroom locations?
In prior school years the below listed schools have hosted PreK4Ward classes. Classes are only open to students residing in the Harrison County School District and the Gulfport School District. Placement is based on the location of the applicant’s residence.
*** Please note that while these locations have hosted classrooms in prior years, there is no guarantee of the same locations year to year.
Harrison County School District: Crossroads Elementary, Bel-Aire Elementary, Harrison Central Elementary, D’Iberville Elementary, Saucier Elementary, North WoolMarket Elementary and Middle, Lizana Elementary, River Oaks Elementary, North Gulfport Elementary & Middle School
Gulfport School District: Bayou View Elementary School
I work until 5 pm; will After School Care be available for my child?
There is no After School Care provided as part of PreK4Ward or by United Way of South MS. Please note that the AphaBest aftercare service available to elementary students in the Harrison Count School District is not an option for the Pre-K students due to dismissal times.
What are the student arrival and departure times for PreK4Ward?
This answer will vary by location; however, most locations begin class at 8:00 a.m. with drop off from 7:45- 8:00. Dismissal is from approximately 1:45- 2:00 p.m. with pick up no later than 2:10. Times are structured for pre-K to arrive after K-6 and be dismissed prior to K-6. Drop off and pick up is required, Pre-K students are not permitted to ride district school buses.
Is PreK4Ward equipped to handle children with special needs?
PreK4Ward has a long track record of success with students with varying degrees of special needs, however PreK4Ward is not staffed to handle students who are not appropriate for a mainstream classroom. If a student displays violent behavior, is unable to participate in classroom activities or causes continual and frequent disruptions in the class, they will be dismissed from the program. If a student has an existing IEP, that document must be reviewed by UWSM staff prior to enrollment in the program.
Does my child have to be toilet trained?
Children must be completely toilet trained prior to attending PreK4Ward. Repeated accidents will result in dismissal from the program.
Definition of Toilet Trained:
- A child who does not wear “pull-ups” or diapers at any time of day.
- A child who is able to take care of all bathroom needs on his/her own, including wiping.
- A child who can verbalize when toileting is necessary.
- A child who can use the school facilities without additional training potties or potty seats.
Can you guarantee my child will be placed in a class at the school where he or she will attend kindergarten?
While that is always our goal, not all elementary schools in the district will have a PreK4Ward classroom. If your designated school doesn’t have a pre-K class or it is full, your child will be placed in the nearest available class.
What if my child doesn’t get a seat in a classroom?
UWSM will maintain a waiting list of the remaining applicants once all the seats are filled. If a seat in a class in your area becomes available, you will be notified as soon as possible. Some turnover is expected as plans and situations do change, but please have a backup plan for your child.
What type of book bag will my child need, and will I need to purchase school supplies?
For pre-K classes in the HCSD, clear or mesh book bag will be required. United Way of South MS provides the classroom supplies.
Does PreK4Ward follow the school district calendar?
The school district calendar is our guide. PreK4Ward will end several weeks prior to the end of the regular school year. Pre-K may have other additional holidays throughout the year. You will be provided a list of the pre-K calendar at the beginning of the school year.
How would I find out more information about PreK4Ward?
If you have specific questions not addressed in the application and FAQ section, please email education@unitedwaysm.org
Please do not call the schools or district office as they will not be able to answer questions specific to PreK4Ward. Families may reach out to United Way of South Mississippi via telephone or email, however email will be the most efficient means to receive information.