NC Pre-Kindergarten
Now accepting applications for 2025-2026 & 2026-2027!
Buncombe Partnership for Children administers the North Carolina Pre-Kindergarten Program (NC Pre-K), formerly known as the More at Four Program, in Asheville. (En Español)
NC Pre-K is a free, state-funded high quality early care and education program that aims to enhance children’s school readiness. The program is offered for 6 ½ hours a day for 10 months. Programs are located at public schools, private child care programs, and Head Start centers. Limited options for wrap-around care are available.
Transportation is available on a very limited basis through Head Start and Asheville City Schools only. Child applications are accepted year round.
More information on applying at our page on Buncombe Pre-K.
To apply go to Buncombe Pre-K | SchoolMint Enroll.
How do I know if my child is eligible?
- Will your child be four years old by August 31?
- Is your family income at or below 75% of the state median income? (How do I know this? Look below)
- Locally, NC Pre-K prioritizes serving children who are currently not enrolled in care.
- Additional consideration (even if not income eligible) is given to children who have an identified disability, speak limited or no English, have a chronic health condition, and/or have a developmental or educational need.
Click here to add your own text
Income Eligibility for NC Pre-K
| Household size | Houshold Income |
| 2 | $58,009 |
| 3 | $71,659 |
| 4 | $85,308 |
| 5 | $98,957 |
| 6 | $112,607 |
| 7 | $115,166 |
| 8 | $117,725 |
| 9 | $120,284 |
| 10 | $122,844 |
| 11 | $125,403 |
| 12 | $127,962 |
Want to Apply for 2025-2026 or 2026-2027?
All NC Pre-K applications are now through the Buncombe Pre-K common application portal. You can call 828-419-1030 to get help with the portal or to submit an application over the phone.
Want to know more about the program?
For questions about eligibility or how to apply, please contact:
Cindy Knox
Preschool Outreach and Enrollment Coordinator
Phone: (828) 419-1030
Email: cindy@buncombepfc.org
Cindy Knox
Preschool Outreach and Enrollment Coordinator
Phone: (828) 419-1030
Email: cindy@buncombepfc.org
For all other questions related to NC Pre-K, please contact:
Jessica Redford
NC Pre-K Program Director
Phone: 828-407-1915
Email: jesscia@buncombepfc.org
Jessica Redford
NC Pre-K Program Director
Phone: 828-407-1915
Email: jesscia@buncombepfc.org
For the 2025-2026 & 2026-2027 school years, NC Pre-K sites in Buncombe County are:
Asheville City Schools (Children must live in the Asheville City Schools district to attend these particular sites.)
Asheville High School
Hall Fletcher Elementary School
Ira B. Jones Elementary School
Isaac Dickson Elementary School
Lucy S Herring Elementary School
Coordinator: Polly Bolding
Phone: 828-350-2926
Childcare Network #177-Fairview
Coordinator: Jordyn Youse
Phone: 828-628-9243
Community Action Opportunities/Head Start (Families must meet Head Start income eligibility guidelines to attend their sites.)
Coordinator: Leslie Hennessee
Phone: 828-210-0578
Head Start Sites
Donald S. Collins (Black Mountain)
Coordinator: Monnie Wright
Phone: 828-669-6617
Eliada Child Development -West Asheville
Coordinator: Mary Lewis
Phone: 828-254-5356
The Christine Avery Learning Center-Central
Coordinator: Ciana Morton
Phone Number: 828-232-7433
The Christine Avery Learning Center-St. Marks
Coordinator: Leondra McDay
Phone Number: 828-767-4418
Verner Center for Early Learning-East & West Asheville Locations
Coordinator: Ali Hess
Phone: 828-298-0808 ext 101
YWCA Early Learning Program
Coordinator: Alesia Summey
Phone: 828-254-7206 ext. 109
See a full NC Pre-K site list, or see all sites on a map.
Currently not accepting new NC Pre-K Site Applications.
THE NC PRE-K ADVISORY COMMITTEE – The NC Pre-K Program requires every county (or region) that chooses to participate to establish and maintain an Advisory Committee. This committee is represented in part by local school boards and systems, the local Smart Start partnership, licensed child care providers, Head Start, Department of Social Service, parent(s) of preschool-age children, and the child care resource and referral agency. In Buncombe County, the NC Pre-K Advisory Committee meets a minimum of three times a year.
NC Pre-K Committee Meeting Schedule:
These meetings are open to the public. To receive your invitation, please email Jessica Redford at jessica@buncombepfc.org.
The Committee meets the second Friday of the month from 8:30am-10:00am via Zoom.
This meeting schedule is subject to change.
OUR PARTNERS
Get In Touch
53 Asheland Avenue Suite 102A
Asheville, NC 28801
Phone: 828-285-9333
Fax: 828-285-9933
