Boston Universal Pre-K for Boston Residents

We are proud to be a Boston Pre K (BPK) Community-Based Early Learning Center as part of the highly regarded City of Boston’s BPK Program. Boston residents are able to apply for a tuition-free seat in a K1 classroom. Students who are 4 years old by September 1 are eligible for K1. While BPK seats are not guaranteed, those who qualify, enroll, and are accepted are eligible to attend tuition-free. If interested, please find next steps and more information below:

I'm interested in Universal PreK. How can I apply?
It is important to apply to Saint Columbkille Partnership School in FACTS and to simultaneously apply for a BPK seat through Avela. These two applications can be submitted in any order, but both need to occur together to ensure your application is completed and received.

 What is the deadline to apply for a BPK seat after enrolling via FACTS?
There is no specific deadline to apply for BPK on the STCPS end. Our admissions process is rolling and new applications will be considered as they are received, until the available seats are filled. However, to qualify for a tuition-free seat, families must apply via both FACTS and Avela. The BPK application typically opens in January and closes in March. After the application closes, a lottery is run to fill open seats. STCPS students currently enrolled in K0 receive priority for the BPK seats in K1.

I’m not a Boston resident. Can my child still attend K1 at Saint Columbkille? 

Your child can definitely attend Saint Columbkille if you don’t live in Boston. We have students from many of the surrounding towns, including Newton, Watertown, Belmont, Waltham, and Dedham.

Who can answer questions?
If you have questions about the BPK seats in our K1 classrooms, please direct them to Rachel Rumely, Director of Enrollment, at [email protected] or 617-254-3110 x127.