A recent meeting of the Dallas Independent School District (ISD) board resulted in big news for education in our community: The district will offer a universal pre-kindergarten program for all 3- and 4-year-old students starting in the 2026-2027 school year.  

Up until now, the district offered free pre-K to select students who met state eligibility requirements, including those below a certain income level. Families who didn’t meet that criteria had to pay for pre-K and typically spent thousands of dollars every year. But now, all pre-K students living within Dallas ISD can enroll in the program for free. 

This decision will create positive effects across Dallas that extend well beyond a child’s time in kindergarten. It is a prime example of how a single policy change can drive generational change for local families. At United Way of Metropolitan Dallas, we’re especially excited because the program will positively impact our focus areas of education, income and health.  

Read on to learn more about how the program will work, its impact on local families, and how you can register your child for the upcoming school year. 

What is universal pre-K? 

Universal pre-K is a public policy that provides free, voluntary pre-kindergarten education to all children, regardless of their family’s income or background.  

Universal pre-K is offered in many communities across the country, and in North Texas, Arlington and Fort Worth ISDs already offer it. Many researchers and supporters of the policy say it’s an important step in improving school readiness, bridging achievement gaps, and providing financial relief for lower-income families. 

How Free Pre-K in Dallas ISD Benefits Local Families 

When school districts offer free pre-K, students and their families can benefit in multiple ways, such as: 

• Stronger performance at school: Not only are students who attend pre-K more likely to be prepared for kindergarten; they also show better academic gains throughout their primary school years. (This includes higher early literacy rates, one of our key Aspire United 2030 goals.) Importantly, kids who went to pre-K are more likely to attend college—which sets them up for a lifetime of higher wages. 

• Better financial stability: When parents don’t have to pay for pre-K or childcare, they can save thousands of dollars a year. Previously, Dallas ISD parents were spending about $5,000 a year for full-day pre-K classes and $2,500 a year for half-day pre-K classes—money that they won’t have to spend next year. Research shows that universal pre-K also enables parents to achieve better financial stability because they typically can work longer hours and make more progress in their careers. 

• Improved health: Research has found that pre-K has long-lasting effects on children’s health—and can even lead to longer lifespans. That’s because quality pre-K programs help foster beneficial habits and support healthy childhood development. 

• A more level playing field: When parents have to pay for pre-K, some middle-income families can’t afford to enroll their children but don’t qualify for subsidized pre-K programs. This can create achievement gaps between them and children from wealthier families—gaps that can persist throughout a child’s entire school career. 

These benefits illustrate why universal pre-K is a policy that our team at United Way of Metropolitan Dallas wholeheartedly supports. Our mission is to improve access to education, income and health so all North Texans can thrive, and offering pre-K to all students is one way to positively impact families in all three of these areas.  

“At United Way, we believe every family deserves a strong start,” said Abigail Sharp, vice president of early childhood initiatives. “Expanding universal pre‑K ensures more children enter kindergarten ready to learn, build important social and emotional skills, and stay on track for long‑term success. When we invest early, we strengthen not only outcomes for children, but also the economic stability and well‑being of families and communities across North Texas.” 

When children are set up for success from an early age, they form a strong foundation that carries them through every stage of life. In fact, universal pre-K directly supports our Aspire United 2030 goals, which are our North Star for driving meaningful change in North Texas through the year 2030. Those key goals include: 

• Increase by 50% the number of students reading on grade level by third grade 

• Increase by 20% the number of North Texas young adults who earn a living wage  

• Increase to 96% the number of North Texans with access to affordable healthcare insurance 

Hillary Evans, vice president of policy and advocacy at United Way of Metropolitan Dallas, explains, “Universal pre-K is a powerful investment in the future of our community, and we applaud Dallas ISD for expanding access to early education for all of its students. When local children are set up for success from an early age, they are better equipped to become strong readers, go on to earn a living wage and afford quality healthcare for themselves and their own families. Generations of North Texans, and our community as a whole, will benefit from this program.”  

How to Register Your Child for Free Pre-K 

To register for the 2026-2027 school year, visit the Dallas ISD pre-k registration site. You’ll need to complete an online registration form and upload the required documents, which include proof of residency, a birth certificate and immunization records. 

Other Ways You Can Support Local Students 

While universal pre-K in DISD is a major step forward, there’s still plenty of work to do to support local students.  

Together, we can show up for young scholars in our community by ensuring they have access to the educational tools and resources they need to thrive at every age. With a donation to United Way of Metropolitan Dallas, you can support young scholars through programs that include: 

• Once Upon a Month, which provides children ages 0-5 with a free children’s book and an accompanying parent guide every month to encourage early literacy. A one-time $40 donation can deliver 12 books a year to a child, preparing them for school and early reading. 

• Dollars for College, which seeds college savings accounts for local students. With just $500 saved, young North Texans are three times more likely to attend college and four times more likely to graduate. Just $20 a month can fund five accounts per year for local students, opening the door to college success, better job opportunities and greater economic mobility. 

• Digital Bridges, which delivers free digital technology and support to Southern Dallas residents to support their success in the classroom and beyond. $50 a month can provide two families with laptops, Microsoft Office and bilingual tech support for a year, ensuring children have access to the technology they need to succeed in today’s digital world.