Last verified: October 2026
Is pre-K free in Raleigh?
For many Wake County families, yes. One Wake Pre-K application covers three free programs, NC Pre-K, WCPSS Title I Pre-K and Telamon Head Start, for children who live in Wake and are four by August 31.
How is Durham different from Wake for pre-K?
Durham County funds its own initiative, Durham PreK, managed by Early Years Inc., with the goal of high-quality pre-K for every four-year-old in the county. Families reach it at durhamprek.org or 1-833-773-5883.
What do Orange and Johnston families use?
Families in Chapel Hill, Carrboro, Hillsborough, Clayton and Smithfield apply for NC Pre-K through their county's contracting agency. NC Pre-K is free for children from families at or below 75% of state median income.
Does the Opportunity Scholarship pay for pre-K?
No. It begins at kindergarten. For younger children, child care subsidy and the pre-K programs above are the public options.
How many Triangle private schools offer pre-K, county by county?
Counts from the federal survey. Ask each school whether its pre-K room takes part in a public pre-K program.
| County | Schools offering pre-K | Public pre-K route |
|---|---|---|
| Wake | 37 | Wake Pre-K application (NC Pre-K, Title I, Head Start) |
| Johnston | 4 | NC Pre-K |
| Durham | 15 | Durham PreK and NC Pre-K |
| Orange | 5 | NC Pre-K |
Wake Pre-K application vs Durham PreK: how do they compare?
| Wake Pre-K application | Durham PreK |
|---|---|
| Wake County residents only | Durham County residents only |
| One form for NC Pre-K, Title I Pre-K and Head Start | County-funded program managed by Early Years Inc. |
| Free for the three programs on the form | Ask the program about cost for your household |