Voluntary Prekindergarten
Lottery Steps, 2026-2027
IMPORTANT REMINDER: To be eligible for VPK in the Fall of 2025, children must be 4-years-old on or before September 1, 2026. The 2026-2027 VPK Lottery window will be open for applications from February 23, 2026- March 27, 2026, with placement opportunity notifications being sent by April 10, 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/
Please allow 12-14 business days for the Certificate of Eligibility to be processed.
- 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/skyportlogin
New 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#.
- Step #3: Use your child’s Student ID # to complete the School Mint Application/VPK Lottery February 23, 2026 or after: 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.
- Step #4: Offerings for the 2026-2027 school year will go out by April 10, 2026. Offered seats must be accepted within ten days. Available seats after the ten days will be assigned on a first-come, first-served basis.