There are 2 different VPK programs located at Cunningham Creek Elementary. The Little Cardinals Nest VPK program offers child care for extended hours and is called The Cardinal Academy.
For information regarding the other CCE VPK program, please refer to:
https://www-ccs.stjohns.k12.fl.us/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/VPK-Spot-Info-2024_25.pdf
There is a different application process and Registrar for the CCE VPK program.
Requirements for Little Cardinals Nest/The Cardinal Academy VPK
- Children must be age 4 by September 1st – If your child’s birthday falls between February 2 and September 1, you may postpone applying for a VPK Certificate of Eligibility until the following school year (however, we do not accept students without a VPK Certificate of Eligibility)
- VPK Certificate of Eligibility (State of Florida) – applications typically open after January 1 – apply at www.ecs4kids.org
- Children must be fully toilet trained by 1st day of school (August 11, 2025)
- No subsidy tuition payments accepted
- All parents, grandparents and any person authorized in writing to drop off and pick-up a student must be a cleared visitor of St. Johns County School District in order to enter the school – please complete the form at https://www.stjohns.k12.fl.us/volunteer/ (parents must complete this form)
Options (Limited spots in all times)
We have one VPK class with up to 20 students and 2 teachers
- 5 Days, Full-time (7:00-5:30)
- 5 Days, School Hours (8:30-3:30) – pickup any time after 3:00 (SJCSD employees only may drop off at 8:00)
2025-26 Waiting List and Application Process
- To be placed on the waiting list, please email the Director at [email protected] and include your name and phone number, your child’s name and date of birth and what days/times you are interested in.
- Waiting list placement does not guarantee a spot in the class
- The Director will contact you to schedule a tour (at least one parent and the child must attend the tour)
- At the conclusion of your tour, you may receive an enrollment application. Your application will not be reviewed until all forms and supplemental documents are received. The Director will review your application and notify you of a decision. If accepted into our program, your child’s spot is not secured until the non-refundable deposit is received.
Registration Application Timeline
- January 13, 2025: Current LCN families
- February 10, 2025: SJCSD Employees (remaining spots) – in order of the waiting list
- March 10, 2025: Community Families (remaining spots) – in order of the waiting list