Dallas ISD approves increase to pre-K tuition rates

The Dallas ISD board of trustees approved a nearly 22% increase to its pre-K tuition rates during a March 24 board meeting.

The city of Dallas offers free, scholarship and tuition-based pre-K education for 3- and 4-year-olds within the school district.

Students who meet certain criteria, such as being homeless or unable to speak English, are eligible for free and scholarship-based pre-K. Students who do not meet the eligibility criteria for free or scholarship-based pre-K may be enrolled in the tuition-based program.

For the 2021-22 school year, the tuition for DISD pre-K was $4,100, or $410 per month. During the March 24 meeting, board trustees unanimously voted to increase that rate to $5,000, or $500 per month, for the 2022-23 school year.

The pre-K tuition rate limit enforced by the Texas Education Agency is $8,031, or $892 per month.

School sites near Lakewood and Lake Highlands that offer pre-K programs include William Lipscomb and L.L. Hotchkiss elementary schools.

The tuition rate for the pre-K before and after care program—which covers hours outside of the school day from 7 a.m.-6 p.m.—has remained unchanged at $1,250, or $125 per month.

Parents can submit applications for pre-K enrollment beginning in April at their desired campus.