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What is Voluntary PreK (VPK)?

Voluntary PreK is a grant received from the state of Minnesota that provides a limited number of FREE 4 year-old preschool spots at the Warrior Early Learning Center or Riverside Elementary School for students living in the Brainerd School District boundaries. VPK provides either 4 half-days of preschool (8-10:45 am or 12-2:45 pm Mon-Thurs) or 2 full days of preschool (8am-2:45pm Mon/Wed or Tues/Thurs). Transportation is available to and from home or daycare as long as it is within district boundaries.

Who is eligible for Voluntary PreK?

Voluntary PreK provides FREE preschool to students meeting the following criteria:

Live in the Brainerd School District
Eligible to attend Kindergarten in the 2026-2027 school year. (Date of birth between 9/1/20 and 8/31/21)
Not currently receiving Special Education services

Who is NOT eligible for Voluntary PreK?

Children who are not yet 4 years old as of 9/1/25
Children who could attend Kindergarten in the 2025-2026 school year.
Children on an Individualized Education Plan (IEP).

Who is eligible for Transportation?

Transportation is provided to and from homes or daycares located within school district boundaries, provided that the location is outside of the walking zone (3/10ths of a mile). Transportation may require a transfer from one bus to another with a possible drop off spot.

Voluntary PreK students should have an early childhood screening completed within 90 days of starting class.

Select Voluntary PreK when registering.