Your Guide to Jersey City Public Schools Pre-K & Kindergarten 2026-2027

Jan 3
2 min read

Updated: Feb 13

Getting your little one ready for school is a huge milestone! In Jersey City, the process for Pre-K and Kindergarten is slightly different, but both rely on a central online system.

Here is everything you need to know to navigate the Jersey City Public Schools (JCPS) registration for the 2026-2027 school year.

1. Check Your Child’s Eligibility

Jersey City uses a strict October 1st cutoff for age requirements.

For the 2026-2027 school year:

Pre-K 3: Child must be 3 years old on or before October 1, 2026.
Pre-K 4: Child must be 4 years old on or before October 1, 2026.
Kindergarten: Child must be 5 years old on or before October 1, 2026.

Note: JCPS Pre-K is free for all Jersey City residents!

2. Mark Your Calendar (Key Dates)

The registration windows are the most critical part of the process.

Pre-K Registration: Typically opens March 1st, 2026.

Pro-Tip: If you register between March 1 and March 31, you are entered into a lottery if a specific school exceeds its capacity. After March 31, registration stays open, but placement is based on remaining availability.

Kindergarten Registration: This is ongoing, but it is highly recommended to register in the spring (March/April) to ensure your child is on the roster for fall orientation.

3. Gather Your Documents

You will need to upload digital copies (scans or clear photos) of these documents to the portal:

Proof of Age: Original Birth Certificate or Passport.
Two (2) Proofs of Residency: These must be current (within the last 60 days). Accepted items include:
Utility bills (PSE&G, Water, Cable).
Lease agreement or deed.
Driver’s License or State ID.
Immunization Records: Must be up-to-date and signed by a doctor.
Health History & Physical Exam: A physical exam form completed by your pediatrician (usually required to be dated within one year of school entry).

4. How to Register (The 3-Step Process)

Step 1: Find Your "Home School"

For Kindergarten, your child is assigned to a school based on your home address. You can find your zoned school by calling the District at 201-915-6201 or 201-915-6111. Note: Pre-K students may be placed in a district school or a "Contracted Community Childcare Provider" depending on the lottery.

Step 2: Use the Online Portal

JCPS has moved to a digital enrollment system.

For Pre-K: Use the dedicated Early Childhood Portal.

For Kindergarten: Use the JCPS Online Student Registration portal.

Step 3: The Multilingual Intake Center (If Applicable)

If your child speaks a language other than English at home, or if you have recently moved to the U.S. from another country, you must first make an appointment with the Multilingual Intake Center. They will assess your child’s language needs to ensure they are placed in the right program.