Who is eligible to attend Shining Stars Preschool?
Rio Rancho residents who will be 4 years of age before September 1 of the current school year.

How can I apply for the next school year (2024-25)?
The application for the 2024-25 school year was available April 1 - 14, 2024 for the initial lottery. The application is open for waitlist status.

My child currently attends Shining Stars Preschool and is eligible to return to Shining Stars for the 2024-25 School Year. Do I need to fill out an application? Please refer to one of the 3 scenarios below:

Scenario 1: Parents of Returning students that are receiving Special Education Services for Speech Only must fill out an application and then register through PowerSchool.

Scenario 2: Parents of Returning Students that are receiving Special Education Services for any other eligibility do not need to fill out an application. You will need to register your child through PowerSchool.

Scenario 3: Parents of Returning Students NOT receiving Special Education Services must fill out an application. If your child is chosen again as a lottery student, you will be contacted by email by June with further instructions to register your child.

I am not sure if my child is Eligible as "Speech Only," who do I contact? You can contact your child’s current teacher, Speech Language Pathologist, or Special Education Instructional Leader - Amber Cook or Amanda Cordova

Do I need to submit my child’s shot record with the application? No. If your child is chosen to attend through the lottery, you will be contacted in late May or early June with instructions to register your child, including proof of residency, birth certificate, and shot record.

How are students chosen to attend? Students are chosen via a lottery.

For PreK Students, children must be 4 years old before September 1 and going to kindergarten the following school year. We generally take 330 students per our annual grant.

For Preschool Students, children must be 3 years old before September 1. We take a very limited number of preschool children, under 50.

There are no exceptions for the rule of age.

How am I notified if my child is chosen in the lottery?
You will be notified by email.

What are your school hours?
SSPS is currently a half-day program that meets for 4-year-old program students M-F (Wednesday is Whiz Kid Wednesday and all 4y program students come for the morning session regardless of the session my child attends.) I understand no 3y program students attend at all on Wednesdays. This may or may not continue for the 2024-25 school year.

Is busing available?
Yes, we have "hubs" across the city at neighborhood parks where your child can catch the bus.

Do you have before or after school daycare?
Unfortunately, we do not have extended hour care.

Any other questions? Please contact our front office staff at 505-892-7735.