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Kindergarten Ready · Free · 4 by Sept 1

Free Georgia Pre-K in Marietta, GA

Marietta Academy is an approved Georgia Pre-K site. If your child turns 4 by September 1, they may be eligible for a full year of high-quality Pre-K — completely free, funded by the state.

Georgia Pre-K students learning at activity tables at Marietta Academy in Marietta, GA

About Georgia Pre-K at Marietta Academy

A Real Year of Pre-K, At No Cost to Your Family

Georgia's Pre-K Program is a free, state-funded year of Pre-K for 4-year-olds, administered by Bright from the Start (Georgia's Department of Early Care and Learning). Marietta Academy is an approved Pre-K site — meaning your child can attend a full school day of Pre-K here, with certified teachers, a state-approved curriculum, and the same warmth that has defined our school for years, all at no cost to you.

Our Pre-K classrooms follow the High Scope curriculum aligned with the Georgia Early Learning and Development Standards (GELDS). Each classroom is led by two state-certified teachers — a lead teacher and an assistant teacher.

Pre-K teacher reading a story at Marietta Academy in Marietta, GA

What's Included

Everything a Pre-K Year Should Be

Free

The Pre-K instructional day costs your family nothing. Funded by the Georgia Lottery for Education.

Certified Teachers

Two state-certified teachers per classroom: a lead teacher with a bachelor's degree in education and an assistant teacher.

GELDS Aligned

Curriculum follows the Georgia Early Learning and Development Standards across literacy, math, science, social studies, and physical and social-emotional growth.

Kindergarten Ready

By June, your child will be ready for the academic and social demands of kindergarten — confidently.

Hot Meals

Breakfast, lunch, and snack are served. Many families also qualify for free or reduced meal programs.

Bilingual Support

Our staff speaks English and Spanish — especially valuable for our many Spanish-speaking families during a child's first formal year of school.

Eligibility & Calendar

Who Can Enroll

Demand exceeds spots every year. If you think your child may be eligible, contact us early — the application window for the next program year typically opens in early spring.

See full Georgia Pre-K policy on our policies page →

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Georgia Pre-K really free?
Yes. The Pre-K instructional day is free, funded by the Georgia Lottery for Education. Before-care and after-care, if your family needs them, are billed separately.
Who is eligible?
Children who are 4 years old by September 1 of the program year, and whose families are Georgia residents. There is no income requirement.
Is Marietta Academy an approved Georgia Pre-K site?
Yes. Marietta Academy is licensed by Georgia DECAL (CCLC-502) and participates in the Georgia Pre-K Program.
How many children are in a Pre-K class?
Georgia Pre-K classrooms are capped per state ratio standards, with two certified teachers per room.
What curriculum do you use?
We use the High Scope curriculum, aligned with the Georgia Early Learning and Development Standards (GELDS) that Pre-K classrooms are required to follow.
What if my child turns 4 after September 1?
They're not yet eligible for that year's Pre-K. They can attend our preschool or Rising Pre-K summer program and become eligible the following year.
Do you offer before- and after-school care for Pre-K students?
Yes, for an additional fee. CAPS subsidies may cover this for eligible families.
How and when do I apply?
Call (770) 435-3443 or schedule a tour. We'll walk you through the application timeline (typically early spring for the following school year) and document requirements.

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Care That Grows With Your Child

Next Step

Ready to Meet Our Georgia Pre-K Program Team?

Free 30-minute tours Monday–Friday. We'll show you the room, answer your questions, and check availability.