Marion County Public Schools Voluntary Prekindergarten Program (VPK)
* Students that are enrolled in the VPK program attend school for the duration of the regular school hours and are not eligible to receive transportation.
July 2026- VPK applications have reopened for all schools. Applicants are currently being placed on waiting lists for schools. Families will be contacted as openings in VPK classrooms become available.
August 2026- At this time, School Mint is currently experiencing issues for newly enrolled students. We are working on a resolution to be able to continue accepting applications for waitlists.
When the School Mint website concerns have been resolved, this webpage will display the reopening of the site for new applicants. Please check this page for updates.
Lottery Steps, 2026-2027
IMPORTANT REMINDER: To be eligible for VPK in the Fall of 2026, children must be 4-years-old on or before September 1, 2026.
In order to be considered for a seat in the VPK Lottery, the following steps must be completed:
- Step #1:Obtain your child’s Certificate of Eligibility (COE) from the online Parent Portal located on the Early Learning Coalition website:https://familyservices.floridaearlylearning.com
- Step #2: Complete the New Student Online Enrollment (NSOE) process for Marion County Public Schools.Current MCPS Families: https://skyward.iscorp.com/scripts/wsisa.dll/WService=wsedumarioncofl/skyportloginNew to MCPS Families: https://skyward.iscorp.com/scripts/wsisa.dll/WService=wsedumarioncofl/skyenroll.w
After completing the NSOE application, contact your base school’s guidance department, as they will process the application and assign your student with a Student ID#. This student ID# will be used to complete the lottery application.
- Step #3: Use your child’s Student ID # to complete the School Mint Application/VPK Lottery https://mcps.schoolmint.com/login
- Select one, two, or three school choices. NOTE: All three choices are not required.
- Upload your signed and dated Certificate of Eligibility (DIGITAL SIGNATURES ARE NOT ACCEPTED). All other information on the certificate will be completed by the school district. Applications will be rejected if the COE is not signed. Contact the Early Learning Department if you need support with printing/signing/scanning at [email protected]
- Step #4: Offerings -August 2026- Students are going on to waiting lists at this time, Offered seats must be accepted within ten days.