Spring ISD plans to offer an expanded full-day pre-K program next school year that will allow more students to experience the benefits of a high-quality early childhood education with caring and certified teachers at no cost to families.
“We are very excited about this opportunity to enroll some students who wouldn’t normally be eligible under state requirements,” said Superintendent Rodney E. Watson. “We know there are many families who want their children in pre-K but don’t meet the usual income, language or other criteria. This is a way to ensure more young learners get the great start that a quality pre-K education provides without their families having to pay any tuition or fees.”
In expanding the program, the district will set aside some seats at nearly every elementary campus for potential students. Parents who are interested should simply register at www.springisd.org/prek and fill out the application. The only eligibility requirement that a student must be 4-years-old on or before September 1.
The deadline to apply for the free pre-K program is July 23. Families will learn whether there is space for their student starting the week of July 26. In deciding how to award seats, the district will evaluate each application on the following criteria:
- Zoned students with siblings already at the school – 4 points
- Zoned students – 3 points
- Students of teachers/staff living in the district – 2 points
- Students of teachers/staff not living in the district – 1 point
Should there be more applicants than seats, the district will hold a lottery by campus. The district will continue to award seats as they become available through the start of the school year.
“Quality early childhood programs are expensive so this expanded pre-K program will really benefit working families, including Spring ISD employees, who have young children turning 4 by September 1,” said Chief of Innovation and Equity Dr. Lupita Hinojosa. “Our goal is to provide a strong academic foundation to all students and offer equitable access to all families, regardless of whether they meet the usual eligibility requirements.”
Throughout the spring, the district has been promoting its pre-K program to ensure families understand the benefits of helping students develop school readiness skills that will ensure success in kindergarten and beyond.
“We have a wonderful pre-K program with caring and certified teachers who make learning fun,” Hinojosa said. “We want every child to experience that so they can be excited and confident about school.”