Graphic courtesy of BCPS
Botetourt County Public Schools (BCPS) recently announced a program through the Virginia Preschool Initiative (VPI) that is a no-cost, five-day-per-week program that focuses on developmental skills.
This program provides an opportunity to give children a jumpstart on the skills that will help them be more successful in school. The elementary schools providing this program are Breckinridge, Buchanan, Cloverdale, Eagle Rock, Greenfield, and Troutville.
Children who live in Botetourt County and will be 3 or 4 years old by Sept. 30, 2025 are eligible for this skill development program. Applications for the program are now being accepted. Parents or guardians are required to have income verification, the child’s birth certificate, proof of residency, and photo identification.
Apply by visiting smart2start.org or apply in person at the school in the attendance zone on the following dates:
Breckinridge Elementary – Monday, Feb. 3
Buchanan Elementary – Tuesday, Feb. 4
Cloverdale Elementary – Wednesday, Feb. 5
Colonial Elementary – Monday, Feb. 10
Eagle Rock Elementary – Tuesday, Feb. 11
Greenfield Elementary – Wednesday, Feb. 12
Troutville Elementary – Thursday, Feb. 13
Kindergarten registration scheduled for February 10
Kindergarten registration for the 2025-2026 school term is scheduled for Monday, February 10, from 12 p.m.-6 p.m. at each elementary school. Contact your child’s school directly and schedule a time to come into the building and complete the appropriate paperwork.
All parent forms may be found on the BCPS division website, under the parents tab: https://www.bcps.k12.va.us/parents/registration_forms.
Virginia school law states that children are of school age if they have reached their fifth birthday on or before September 30.
Information requested at the time of registration will include:
- Birth certificate
- Documentation of Proof of Residency (mortgage/lease/real estate tax statement – or you may provide a current utility bill and a current bank statement or check stub issued by an employer)
A physical examination and a record of immunization will also be required prior to the first day of school
If you have questions or need additional information, please contact the school at the following numbers:
- Breckinridge Elementary: 473-8386
- Buchanan Elementary: 254-2084
- Cloverdale Elementary: 992-1086
- Colonial Elementary: 977-6773
- Eagle Rock Elementary: 884-2421
- Greenfield Elementary: 992-4416
- Troutville Elementary: 992-1871
Non-Resident applications can be submitted after May.
~ Fincastle Herald staff report
