Parents looking to enroll their children in Georgia’s lottery funded Pre-K Program for the upcoming school year will have a chance to apply in May. That’s when Habersham County Schools will hold a Lottery Drawing Registration.
Director of Elementary Schools Rhonda Andrews says pre-k students are chosen by lottery because of limited space. “We usually have more students wanting a spot in the program than actual spaces available,” she explains. “For example, we have 44 spaces for Cornelia but usually have 50 to 60 students who want a spot. We do a lottery drawing for those available 44 spaces.”
Children must be four (4) years old on or before September 1, 2016 to be eligible. GA Pre-K classrooms are currently located at Baldwin, Clarkesville, Cornelia and Level Grove Elementary Schools. A new class is being added at Demorest Elementary for the 2016-2017 school year.
Here’s how it works
A lottery drawing will be held for children who reside in these school districts. Habersham children who do not reside in these five school districts will be drawn by lottery to fill any remaining openings. Children’s names not drawn will be placed on a waiting list along with any registrations received after May 13, 2016.
All parents will be notified by letter of lottery drawing results. GA Pre-K Registration is open to Habersham County residents only. Lottery registration dates are as follows:
Monday, May 2, 2016: Cornelia Elementary 4:30 – 6 p.m.
Tuesday, May 3, 2016: Baldwin Elementary 4:30 – 6 p.m.
Thursday, May 5, 2016: Clarkeville Elementary 4:30 – 6 p.m.
Tuesday, May 10, 2016: Demorest Elementary 4:30 p.m. – 6 p.m.
Thursday, May 12, 2016: Level Grove Elementary 4:30 – 6 p.m.
Friday, May 13, 2016: Out-of-District 3–4:30 p.m. Board of Education Central Office, Clarkesville, GA
Be sure to bring the following with you on registration day:
- GA Pre-K Enrollment Form. This form is available at www.habershamschools.com or at all elementary schools.
- The child’s original birth certificate with the Seal, File Number, and Signature of the Registrar (Copies cannot be accepted.)
- Georgia Certificate of Immunization – Form 3231. Please bring your child’s current immunization Form 3231.
- The Child’s Social Security Card
- Proof of Current 911 Address (Current Utility Bill: Power Bill, Water Bill, Natural Gas Bill, Cable/Satellite Bill with the physical 911 address listed)
OR
If you do not have proof of current 911 in your name, you must:
- Complete the Statement of Legal Residence Form w/Notarized Signatures(this form is available at www.habershamschools.com or at all elementary schools)
AND
- Attach the current proof of 911 in the owner/lessor name listed on the Statement of Legal Residence Form
Who should attend the Out-of-District registration?
If you’re unable to make it to your child’s school to register, Andrews says you should apply during the Out-of-District registration on May 13. Also, Residents of Fairview, Hazel Grove and Woodville Elementary Schools should register at that time, as well.
The Lottery Drawing Registration does not guarantee your child will be placed in a class. Your arrival time for registration does not determine your child’s placement in the lottery drawing.
Failure to submit the registration form, valid birth certificate or proof of 911 at the time of registration will exclude your child from the lottery drawing.
