GENTRY, AR — Gentry Public Schools has officially opened enrollment for its new Pre-Kindergarten Program, providing local families with an opportunity to give their children a strong start in their educational journey.
Due to significant community interest and positive feedback from families, district leaders anticipate strong demand for available seats and encourage parents to complete the enrollment request process as soon as possible.
Families may begin the process by completing the online enrollment request form at:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSe6HMJU4pFKCYTzRUPqirqqirEqgu56pcCCqwZZFVjs1vSrRw/viewform
Pre-K seats will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis, with priority placement given to students who are four years old.
To be eligible for enrollment, children must meet one of the following age requirements:
Four-year-old students must be 4 years old on or before August 1, 2026.
Three-and-a-half-year-old students must be 3.5 years old on or before February 1, 2026.
District officials emphasize that completing an enrollment request does not guarantee placement in the program. Once a request is received, families will be contacted to schedule an enrollment appointment. During the appointment, parents or caregivers will submit required documentation, meet with staff members, and finalize the enrollment process.
Families should be prepared to provide several required documents, including a birth certificate, proof of residency, immunization records, physical examination documentation, parent or guardian identification, and other applicable records. District officials note that missing documentation could delay enrollment or result in placement on a waiting list.
The program will operate as a tuition-based Pre-K program for the 2026-2027 school year at a cost of $125 per week. School officials said the tuition-based model was necessary because additional state funding was not available to support operation as an Arkansas Better Chance (ABC) Pre-K program at this time.
The Pre-K program will follow a 178-day school calendar and operate on a daily schedule aligned with Gentry Primary School hours. Regular attendance will be required to maintain enrollment, and tuition payments will remain due regardless of attendance.
According to district leaders, the program has been developed in accordance with Arkansas state licensure requirements and program regulations, which help guide enrollment procedures, program expectations, and operational standards.
"Our goal is to provide young learners with a safe, nurturing, and engaging environment where they can begin building the skills needed for future success," said Dr. Devon Conrad, Gentry's Assistant Superintendent. "We are excited to welcome our newest Pioneer learners and continue fulfilling our mission as the District of Choice."
District leaders encourage families interested in the program to submit their enrollment request as soon as possible, as available spaces are expected to fill quickly and a waiting list may be established.
Questions regarding the Pre-K program should be directed to Dr. Conrad at dconrad@gentrypioneers.com.