Baltimore City schools open 2026-27 pre-K and kindergarten enrollment

Baltimore City Public Schools announced Jan. 12 that the application window for pre-K and kindergarten for the 2026–27 school year will run Feb. 16 through Apr. 17, 2026. Families must submit applications online through the district’s Student Enrollment Management System, known as SEMS, and the district plans to notify families of offers May 18–22.

The district framed the open window as the primary route for placement in district-run early learning programs and urged families to apply early to improve their chances of securing seats. The announcement emphasized the benefits of Baltimore’s early learning offerings, including supports for social-emotional development, language growth, and early literacy, which the district said are designed to help children arrive at kindergarten ready to learn.

Charter schools in the city are not included in the district’s SEMS placement process. Families seeking spots at charter-operated pre-K or kindergarten programs must contact those schools directly to learn about their own application timelines and enrollment procedures.

For Baltimore households, the enrollment period affects more than schooling logistics. Pre-K placement can influence childcare plans, work schedules and family finances, particularly for parents juggling shifts or relying on community programs. Early application windows also shape demand for neighborhood seats and the formation of waitlists, making timing and preparedness critical for families hoping to secure a neighborhood placement.

The district’s timeline gives families roughly two months to complete the online application and assemble required information. While the district encouraged early submission, the May notification window means families should plan for several weeks of uncertainty before final placements are confirmed. Those considering charter options should open lines of communication now with individual schools to avoid missing separate deadlines.

This enrollment cycle will also be a test of outreach and access. Ensuring families know how to use SEMS and can get help completing applications will determine whether the city reaches its enrollment goals and whether seats go to those who need them most.

The takeaway? Start your application early, bookmark Feb. 16 to Apr. 17, and expect a decision between May 18 and May 22. If you’re interested in a charter school, call the school directly now to learn its timeline. Our two cents? Treat this like claim day for seats — get documents ready, set a calendar reminder, and apply as soon as the window opens so your child has the best shot at the placement you want.