Last verified: October 2026
Is pre-K free in Charlotte?
Yes for 4-year-olds who live in Mecklenburg County: MECK Pre-K is free and the county describes it as open to all. Apply at MeckPreK.org or at the Stitt Road and Freedom Drive resource centers.
What about Union, Cabarrus and Gaston counties?
NC Pre-K is the free option there, for 4-year-olds from families at or below 75% of state median income, plus some military families and children with documented risk factors.
Does the Opportunity Scholarship pay for pre-K?
No. The Opportunity Scholarship begins at kindergarten, though a 4-year-old approved for early kindergarten admission can apply.
Plan the kindergarten application during the pre-K year: the 2027-28 application must open by February 1, 2027, with priority for those in by March 1.
How many private schools report pre-K in each county?
Counts from the federal survey. Ask each school whether its pre-K room is a MECK Pre-K or NC Pre-K site.
| County | Schools reporting pre-K | Free pre-K route |
|---|---|---|
| Mecklenburg | 30 | MECK Pre-K and NC Pre-K |
| Union | 4 | NC Pre-K |
| Cabarrus | 4 | NC Pre-K |
| Gaston | 6 | NC Pre-K |
MECK Pre-K vs NC Pre-K
| MECK Pre-K | NC Pre-K |
|---|---|
| Mecklenburg residents only | Statewide |
| Described by the county as open to all | Income test at 75% of state median income |
| County-funded, run by Smart Start | State-funded, run by county contractors |