Four Year Old Programs in FMSD

FMSD Programs for Four-Year-Olds

The Fort Mill School District offers two programs for four-year-olds: a full-school day 4K (non tuition), and a tuition based, full day Lab School 4K. Please read the descriptions carefully and follow the links for more details. 

Full-school Day 4K (tuition free program):

The 4K class provides many experiences in motor, language, and concept development. There is much opportunity for music and movement, art expression, reading, and learning through play centers and group times. The PreK On My Way (Scholastic) curriculum is used. Each class is taught by a certified early childhood teacher and a teacher assistant. There is no tuition for these 4K programs.

• A child must live in the Fort Mill School District zip codes (29708 and 29715) and be 4 years old by Sept. 1st to be considered for the class.

**Students that will turn 5 years old by the Sept. 1st cutoff will not be eligible for the class because they are able to register to go to Kindergarten. There are no exceptions to this state determined age requirement.**

• Children who demonstrate the most need are given priority for the 4K class. Qualifying factors include: financial need, prior therapy, slight developmental delay, and family factors.
• The classes are housed at Riverview and Orchard Park Elementary Schools.
• All of our 4K programs are now a full school day 7:35-2:00.
• Twenty children are enrolled in each class. 
• Bus transportation is available.

Lab School (full day, tuition based):

The Fort Mill School District offers a Tuition-Based Four-Year-Old Lab School Program to our active employees and Fort Mill residents. This tuition-based program is a laboratory school held in conjunction with the Early Childhood Education Classes at Fort Mill High School, Nation Ford High School and Catawba Ridge High School.

• Children must be four years old on or before September 1st of the school year for which they are registering.

**Students that will turn 5 years old by or on the Sept. 1st cutoff will not be eligible for the class because they are able to register to go to Kindergarten. There are no exceptions to this state determined age requirement.**

• Children must be FULLY potty-trained in order to attend the program.
• Registration is on a first come, first served basis and priority is given to full-time FMSD employees.
• This program is tuition based. Current tuition for the 2026-2027 school year is $9,675 paid over 10 months for community members and paid over 12 months for employees.
• Transportation to/from school must be provided by the parent/guardian.