Arlington ISD, renowned for its commitment to student success, has launched a free universal pre-K 4 program for all 4-year-old children, as they firmly believe in the power of pre-K education. The program has been initiated for the 2021-22 academic year, and all children who turn four by September 1, 2021, will be eligible for free enrollment. The superintendent of Arlington ISD, Dr. Marcelo Cavazos, states that this decision was made with a strong motive to provide every child with a world-class education that would serve as the foundation for their future endeavors.
Pre-K education marks the starting point of a student’s educational journey, thus providing them a jump start towards their academic and social development. Pre-K students who start their education early are usually ahead of their peers in terms of language skills and social and emotional development. Studies demonstrate that high-quality preschool education can substantially increase children’s chances of succeeding in school and in life, which is why pre-K education is essential to students’ lifelong growth and success. Dr. Jackeline Orsini, Director of Early Childhood Learning, agrees that a strong foundation for kindergarten has a ripple effect on their entire educational journey.
The innovative pre-K 4 curriculum also integrates STEM education into the program, which is designed to encourage children to engage in hands-on discovery, learning, and exploration. The curriculum nurtures problem-solving and critical thinking skills in children at an early age. Students explore opportunities to understand the way things work and relate to real-life, which inspires creativity and exploration and develops the student’s gross motor and fine motor skills. According to Katy Peterson, a pre-K teacher at Amos Elementary, STEM provides children with intriguing opportunities to question, discover and play, making learning enjoyable and impactful.
Arlington ISD has a strong pre-K program for three-year-olds that offers half-day free enrollment for qualifying children. However, for those who are ineligible for free enrollment, a tuition-based option is available, which is highly affordable.
Registration is now open for pre-K and kindergarten. Parents can complete the pre-registration process online or visit the school where their child will be enrolled. For more information, parents can visit AISD.net/prek or contact the pre-K team at (682) 867-9418 or [email protected]. Additional details and important dates about pre-K registration are available on the AISD website. Any child turning four by September 1, 2021, should seize this opportunity to start their educational journey with Arlington ISD’s exceptional pre-K 4 program.
