Join the MCP Rise Learning Academy
MCP Rise Learning Academy is Memphis College Prep's Head Start preschool program, offering a content-rich, research-based curriculum for eligible 3- and 4-year-olds in Shelby County — building the same academic and character foundation that carries our scholars through kindergarten and beyond.
Start EnrollmentQuick Facts
- Ages
- 3 or 4 years old (by August 15, 2026)
- Hours
- 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM
- Days
- Monday – Friday
- Location
- 1500 Dunn Avenue, Memphis, TN 38106
Built on MCP's RISE Approach
Content-Rich Curriculum
Scholars develop skills in language, reading, writing, math, and science through a research-based curriculum that blends play-based activities, direct instruction, and hands-on projects.
Whole-Child Support
Safe outdoor play spaces, daytime meals, and access to developmentally appropriate screenings help make sure every child is ready to learn.
Family Involvement
Families are invited into their child's classroom and into family-focused programming and leadership opportunities throughout the year.
Low Student-Teacher Ratio
Every classroom is designed with a low student-teacher ratio, so each preschool scholar gets individualized attention.
Eligibility & Enrollment
To be eligible for MCP Rise Learning Academy, children must be 3 or 4 years old on August 15, 2026. The child's family must live in Shelby County and have a family income at or below the Federal poverty guidelines. Services are also available to children with mild, moderate, and severe disabilities when Head Start is identified as an appropriate setting in the child's plan.
Application
Fill out the Head Start application online.
Apply for Head Start →Aplicación en español →
Schedule an Enrollment Interview
Book an in-person enrollment interview once your application is submitted.
Schedule Interview →Attend Your Interview with Documents
Meet with a staff member and bring all required documents. Your child does not need to attend the interview to complete enrollment.
To Complete Enrollment, Families Provide:
- Parent's Photo Identification
- Proof of Parent's Address (e.g. MLGW bill, lease, or mortgage in parent's name)
- Parent/Guardian's Proof of Current Income (3 most recent check stubs, 2025 W-2, or 1040)
- Certified Copy of Child's Birth Certificate
- Copy of Child's Insurance Card
- Certificate of Immunization with Current Physical Exam (within 12 months)
- Well Child Summary
- Proof of Child's Dental Exam, if available
Academic Calendar
| Date | Day(s) | Event | Students Out | Teachers Out |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| July 13 | Monday | Leadership Team Meeting | Yes | Yes |
| July 22 | Wednesday | Mandatory Virtual Whole School Training Day | Yes | No |
| July 23 | Thursday | New Teacher Training (In-Person) | Yes | Yes |
| July 24 | Friday | All STAFF Professional Development Kickoff (In-Person) | Yes | No |
| July 27–31 | Monday–Friday | Professional Development | Yes | No |
| Aug 1 | Saturday | Orientation & Open House 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM | Yes | No |
| First Semester | ||||
| August 10Updated | Monday | First Day of School for Students (First Day of Attendance) | No | No |
| September 7 | Monday | Labor Day | Yes | Yes |
| October 9 | Friday | 1st 9 Weeks Ends – Abbreviated Day | No | No |
| October 12–16 | Monday–Friday | Fall Break | Yes | Yes |
| October 19 | Monday | Professional Development | Yes | No |
| October 20 | Tuesday | 2nd 9 Weeks Begins | No | No |
| October 21 | Wednesday | Parent-Teacher Conferences (2:30 – 5:30 PM) | No | No |
| November 11 | Wednesday | Veterans Day | Yes | Yes |
| November 23–25 | Monday–Wednesday | Professional Development Days (Flex) | Yes | No |
| November 26–27 | Thursday–Friday | Thanksgiving Break | Yes | Yes |
| December 18 | Friday | 2nd 9 Weeks/1st Semester Ends – Abbreviated Day | No | No |
| December 21–January 1 | Monday–Friday | Winter Break | Yes | Yes |
| Second Semester | ||||
| January 4 | Monday | Professional Development Day | Yes | No |
| January 5 | Tuesday | Professional Development Day | Yes | No |
| January 6 | Wednesday | Students Return – 3rd 9 Weeks/2nd Semester Begins | No | No |
| January 13 | Wednesday | Parent-Teacher Conferences (2:30 – 5:30 PM) | No | No |
| January 18 | Monday | Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day | Yes | Yes |
| February 15 | Monday | Professional Development Day | Yes | No |
| February 27 | Saturday | Scholar Saturday School | No | No |
| March 6 | Saturday | Scholar Saturday School | No | No |
| March 12 | Friday | 3rd 9 Weeks Ends – Abbreviated Day | No | No |
| March 15–19 | Monday–Friday | Spring Break | Yes | Yes |
| March 22 | Monday | 4th 9 Weeks Begins | No | No |
| March 26 | Friday | Spring Break II | Yes | Yes |
| March 31 | Wednesday | Parent-Teacher Conferences (2:30 – 5:30 PM) | No | No |
| April 3 | Saturday | Scholar Saturday School | No | No |
| April 10 | Saturday | Scholar Saturday School | No | No |
| April 30 | Friday | Professional Development Day | Yes | No |
| May 20 | Thursday | Last Day of School for Students | No | No |
Note: The First Day of School for Students has been moved to August 10, 2026 (highlighted above), a change from the August 3, 2026 date on the original staff charter calendar. All other dates are unchanged from that source document — if the later start date should also push back Fall Break, the 9-Weeks boundaries, or other downstream dates, those still need to be recalculated separately before publishing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where are Rise Learning Academy classrooms located?
MCP Rise Learning Academy is located at Memphis College Prep, 1500 Dunn Avenue, Memphis, TN 38106. Please visit or contact us to confirm classroom availability for your family.
Does Rise Learning Academy follow the same calendar as Memphis College Prep?
Yes. We are working as quickly and as safely as possible to place every eligible child in a Head Start seat, and we post the Rise Learning Academy school calendar on our website each year.
How do I know if my child is eligible?
Your child must be 3 or 4 years old by August 15, 2026, and your family must live in Shelby County and meet Federal Income Guidelines. Services are also provided to children with mild, moderate, and severe disabilities when Head Start is identified as an appropriate setting according to the child's plan. You can begin the process by completing the online application above, attending an enrollment event, or contacting our office directly.
What documents will I need to be ready for enrollment?
- Parent's Photo Identification
- Proof of Parent's Address (e.g. MLGW bill, lease, or mortgage in parent's name)
- Parent/Guardian's Proof of Income (3 most recent check stubs, 2025 W-2 or Tax Return, or proof of Families First, SNAP, SSI Disability, or Child Support)
- Certified Copy of Child's Birth Certificate
- Copy of Child's Insurance Card
- Certificate of Immunization with Current Physical Exam (within 12 months)
- Well Child Summary
- Proof of Child's Dental Exam, if available
What if my child isn't eligible — are there other options?
If your child doesn't meet Head Start eligibility, please contact our office — we're happy to talk through other early learning options at Memphis College Prep or point you toward a program that's a better fit for your family.
Get In Touch
Memphis, TN 38106