ACPS Adjusting Preschool and After-School Program Models for 2026-27
ACPS Adjusting Preschool and After-School Program Models for 2026-27
By Albemarle County Public Schools
ALBEMARLE COUNTY, Va. — Albemarle County Public Schools (ACPS) is adjusting preschool and after-school program models for the 2026-27 school year to expand access to services, support inclusive learning environments and serve more students across the division.
The changes include moving Early Childhood Special Education preschool services from Stony Point Elementary School to a larger preschool program and reorganizing some Extended Day Enrichment Programs through centralized and community-based after-school models.
Preschool Program Changes
An ACPS preschool teacher works with students during a hands-on classroom learning activity. (ACPS photo)
ACPS has limited capacity at each elementary school to offer preschool programs. To serve as many students as possible, program sites are determined based on available space. ACPS offers several preschool program models, including the Virginia Preschool Initiative, Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE) and Head Start programs.
Craig Dommer, executive director of curriculum, assessment and instruction, said ACPS aims to place students in a program as close as possible to their zoned elementary school.
“Families apply for ACPS preschool, and applicants are ranked in order of need,” Dommer said. “We then make offers to families based on that ranking and identify the closest available program for each family.”
In 2026-27, ECSE students and staff currently housed at Stony Point Elementary School will move to Baker-Butler Elementary School. The change is intended to strengthen the learning experience for ECSE students while also creating opportunities to serve additional preschool students through more efficient use of staffing and classroom capacity.
“Bringing preschool classrooms together at larger program sites allows students to learn alongside more peers and gives schools greater access to specialized staff and support services,” Dommer said. “It also creates more opportunities for collaboration among early childhood educators and supports inclusive learning environments for all students.”
ACPS has continued expanding preschool access in recent years through partnerships and additional classroom capacity. In November 2025, ACPS announced a partnership with the United Way of Greater Charlottesville to expand preschool programming and add more than 50 additional preschool seats for eligible Albemarle County families.
ACPS is still finalizing placement, transportation and transition details for affected families.
“As student needs continue to grow and change, ACPS is working to build sustainable program models that allow us to serve more students and families across the division,” Chandra Hayes, assistant superintendent for instruction, said. “Our goal is to continue providing high-quality learning opportunities and support for students while making the best use of available staffing and resources.”
Applications for the 2026-27 ACPS preschool program are currently open. Children who will turn 3 or 4 years old by Sept. 30, 2026, may be eligible for the free program. Information about eligibility and the application process is available at k12albemarle.org/preschool.
Families with questions about preschool programming may contact the Department of Instruction at (434) 296-5820.
Extended Day Enrichment Programs
Greer Elementary School EDEP students participate in a tree seed collection activity connected to environmental education and Virginia forestry efforts. (ACPS photo)
ACPS is also making adjustments to Extended Day Enrichment Programs (EDEP) for the 2026-27 school year. EDEP provides after-school care and enrichment programming for ACPS elementary students in kindergarten through grade 5. Space in EDEP programming is limited, and enrollment is offered through a lottery process.
As previously shared with affected families, EDEP will offer a centralized after-school program at Agnor Elementary School serving students from Agnor, Greer and Woodbrook elementary schools. ACPS will provide bus transportation from Greer and Woodbrook to Agnor at the end of the school day.
In the southern end of Albemarle County, ACPS is working with community partners to provide after-school programming for Red Hill and Scottsville elementary schools for the 2026-27 school year. The Boys & Girls Club will provide aftercare programming for Scottsville Elementary School students at the James River Boys & Girls Club location. ACPS will provide transportation from Scottsville Elementary School to the club at the end of the school day. Plans for aftercare programming at Red Hill Elementary School are still being finalized. Additional information will be shared directly with families as it becomes available.
“These changes are intended to help ACPS serve more families by organizing after-school programs in ways that make the best use of available staffing and program capacity,” Daphne Keiser, assistant superintendent for school community engagement, said. “Our goal is to continue providing after-school opportunities that support students, families and each school community.”
Families with questions about EDEP programming may contact the EDEP office at (434) 296-5840.