Welcome to Virginia Preschool Initiative (VPI) in Surry County Public Schools
Please read through all of the information on the webpage carefullyto learn more about our 4-year-old preschool program.
Virginia Preschool Initiative (VPI)
The Virginia Preschool Initiative (VPI) is Surry County Public Schools’ free preschool program for four-year-old children. The program supports students’ physical, academic, social, and emotional development and helps build a strong foundation for kindergarten success.
VPI is located at Surry Elementary School and operates on a full-day schedule following the Surry County Public Schools calendar. School hours are 7:45 a.m. – 3:25 p.m.
Program features include:
Transportation from designated bus stops
Breakfast and lunch provided daily
One certified teacher and one full-time instructional assistant per classroom
Class sizes limited to 18 students
Ongoing family engagement through conferences, workshops, and communication via email, phone, ClassDojo, and other methods
Eligibility Requirements
The VPI program is funded through the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) and follows state-established eligibility guidelines.
To apply, children must:
Be four (4) years old on or before September 30, 2026
Reside in Surry County
While all families are encouraged to apply, the program prioritizes children who may be at risk of school challenges. Placement is based on eligibility, student need, and available space.
The program is not first come, first served.
Priority Eligibility Criteria
Priority is given to children who:
Live in households at or below 200% of the federal poverty guidelines
Are experiencing homelessness or housing instability
Have parents/guardians with limited formal education
Have identified special needs or disabilities
Additional Factors Considered (as space allows)
Foster or kinship care placement
Single-parent households
Limited English proficiency
Parent/guardian illness, incarceration, or military deployment
Other documented risk factors impacting school readiness
Application & Enrollment Process
Enrollment is a three-step process:
Submit the application and required documents
Participate in an interview
Complete school registration if accepted
Application Window
Applications and supporting documents are accepted February 1 – May 1 for the initial review period. Applications remain open throughout the year as space allows.
Submitting an application does not guarantee acceptance.
Notification & Acceptance
Families will be notified by email if their child is:
Accepted
Found ineligible
Placed on a waitlist
If accepted, families must attend a summer registration event at Surry Elementary School and provide:
Child’s Original Birth Certificate
Child’s Physical and Immunization Records
Two (2) Proofs of Residence (i.e. Lease, Mortgage, Water bill, Utility bill.)
Parent/Guardian Identification: (Driver’s License, passport)
Income Documentation for Pre-K Registration (i.e W-2 form, Pay stubs, etc.)
Custody/Legal documentation (If applicable)
Students may not begin preschool until registration is complete.
Children who qualify but cannot be placed immediately will remain on a waitlist. Families will be contacted if space becomes available.
How to Apply
Complete the online Google Form application
Upload or submit the required documents
Need help or prefer a paper application?
Please contact Ms. Trinita Porter at 757-267-2558 for assistance.