Early Childhood Education
Early childhood education is the vital first step in your child's learning process, encompassing the crucial years from birth to age five. During this developmental stage, we focus on fostering cognitive, social, emotional, and physical growth in a nurturing and stimulating environment. Our programs are designed to provide age-appropriate activities and experiences that promote curiosity, creativity, and a love for learning. Through play-based learning, structured routines, and supportive interactions, we aim to instill essential skills and habits that will set your child up for success in school and beyond. Preschool classrooms are conveniently located in Hickory High, Longview Elementary, Oakwood Elementary, Southwest Primary, and Viewmont Elementary, ensuring accessibility for families across the district.
Hickory High
Longview Elementary
Oakwood Elementary
Southwest Primary
Viewmont Elementary
Free NCPre-K Applications Info
Free NCPre-K Applications are now available for preschool classrooms located within Hickory City Schools. Children must be 4 years old by August 31st of the upcoming school year and not eligible for kindergarten. Preschool classrooms are located in Hickory High, Longview, Oakwood, Southwest, and Viewmont. Transportation is not provided.
Eligibility requirements – Based on income, significant priority is given to those who have not been in child care/preschool programs before and other factors such as English proficiency, special needs, health needs, etc. Continuity of services for children already receiving support services for special needs will take precedence in site selection.
Applications are due by May 22, 2026. You must submit income verification documents and a copy of the child’s birth certificate with your application. Please do not submit applications to any of our classroom locations.
Fee Payer Pre-K Applications Info
Fee Payer Applications are now available for preschool classrooms located within Hickory City Schools. Children must be 3 or 4 years old by August 31st of the upcoming school year and not eligible for kindergarten. Preschool classrooms are located in Hickory High, Longview, Oakwood, Southwest, and Viewmont. Transportation is not provided.
The form will be sent automatically to the HCS Preschool Department. You will receive a response concerning enrollment availability no later than June 15, 2026.
Parents as Teachers of Catawba County
Parents as Teachers of Catawba County is a supportive community program dedicated to empowering parents as their child's first and best teacher. Through personalized home visits, group meetings, and resource connections, they provide families with the tools and knowledge they need to promote their child's early development and school readiness.