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Prekindergarten
Free prekindergarten (Pre-K) classes are offered at selected schools for all students.
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Why Pre-K?
Prekindergarten (Pre-K) programs offer many benefits. 90% of your child’s brain develops before they are five years old. Our Pre-K program takes advantage of this important time to learn. We provide foundational education that helps prepare your child for kindergarten. Research has shown that kids who attend Pre-K are less likely to be held back a grade and more likely to graduate from high school.
About the program
Our Pre-K classes are taught by certified teachers who are trained in early childhood education and development. They have the knowledge and skills needed to teach your child at this very important age.
Your child will learn:
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to recognize colors, shapes, letters, and numbers
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important social skills like how to pay attention in class and interact with other children
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listening and speaking skills
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early reading skills like how to hold a book, turn the pages, and look at pictures
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basic math skills such as counting and measuring
Your child will also develop skills in science, social studies, fine arts and physical development for a balanced education. The curriculum taught is research-based and follows a state-mandated curriculum.
Which schools offer Pre-K classes?
We have two dedicated prekindergarten centers and 27 elementary schools that offer Pre-K classes in a full-day format. Some schools offer regular general education with ESL, some offer bilingual education, and some schools offer both. For a list of schools offering Pre-K see table below.
We also have a Montessori magnet program at Luna and Herfurth elementary that includes classes for PreK-aged children. Specific timelines must be met to apply for magnet programs.
Does my child qualify for Pre-K placement?
Space is limited in our Pre-K program. Students who meet certain eligibility requirements will receive priority placement into available Pre-K seats. Find out if your child qualifies and learn more on the Prekindergarten Eligibility page.
Students who do not meet the eligibility requirements may have the opportunity to apply during the Choice of School and Open Enrollment periods each spring. Empty seats after priority placement will be distributed to non-priority placement students as available.
Engaging our families
We value the voices of our families in helping us create the best learning experience for their child. We encourage parent involvement and partnership by:
- Creating opportunities for families to connect and participate in our schools
- Sharing community resources with families that can benefit them, like Early Childhood Texas
- Inviting parents to serve and offer feedback on decisions
- Offering tools for learning outside of the classroom
- Training staff in supporting families and using evidence-based practices
- Regularly offering opportunities for feedback from families to make sure we are improving
Our goal is to make sure families can work together with us to create child-centered, age-appropriate, and engaging academic and social-emotional learning opportunities.
FAQs
Expand AllHow are the Pre-K centers different?
The Pre-K centers were designed and built specifically for four-year-old children. These centers do not have students in any other grades. The library, gym, bathrooms and lockers are all specially sized for Pre-K children.
In addition, we have a partnership with the Child Care Group Head Start program at our Pre-K Centers with two GISD/Head Start classrooms, one GenEd/ESL and one Bilingual, each center.
What time are the classes?
Our full-day Pre-K program shares the same hours and calendar as our elementary schools, 8:10 a.m.-3:30 p.m.
Can you choose which Pre-K your child goes to?
You may select up to three Pre-K schools as your top choices. At the time of enrollment, a Student Services staff member or a campus data clerk will assist you in completing enrollment for the school with seat availability.
Is transportation provided?
Transportation is not provided. You are responsible for transporting your child to and from school.
Many parents get help from family members or choose to coordinate drop-off and pick-up with their child’s daycare.
How does eligibility work?
Though we welcome all students to our Pre-K program, seats are limited. Students who meet priority placement eligibility get placed in seats first. Empty seats after priority placement will be distributed to non-priority placement students as available.
Can students with disabilities enroll in Pre-K?
Students with disabilities can participate in Pre-K through the Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE) program. See the Special Education page for details.
How does the Pre-K program measure its success?
GISD Prekindergarten Program Self-Assessment
Committee members in Garland ISD complete self-assessments to collect evidence of the quality of the GISD Early Childhood Program. Evaluating the program ensures that the youngest learners are receiving the early learning experiences necessary for optimal growth and development.
The following categories were evaluated to measure growth. Each category was rated as Developing, Proficient, or Exemplary.
- Access/Enrollment (Rating: Proficient)
- This includes enrollment plans, outreach materials, and strategies.
- Administrative and Teaching Staff (Rating: Proficient)
- This includes mentoring, teacher evaluations, certification records, and district/campus improvement plans.
- Curriculum (Rating: Exemplary)
- This includes what is taught in classes and the scope/sequence.
- Instruction (Rating: Exemplary)
- This includes support resources, special education and emergent bilingual resources, and meeting the 11:1 classroom ratio.
- Assessment (Rating: Exemplary)
- This includes planning for tests, family engagement plans, and plans for referrals/intervention.
- Learning Environments (Rating: Exemplary)
- This includes district guidance for organization of classrooms, daily schedules, and routine procedures. It also include student discipline policy and age-appropriate behaviors.
- Family Engagement (Rating: Exemplary)
- This includes the overall family engagement plan and resources, teacher communication with parents, interpreter/translation policy, attendance plans, the student compact, and the student handbook.
- Transition (Rating: Exemplary)
- This includes the plan for transitioning out of prekindergarten, the Title 1 plan, family engagement plan, and student data-sharing agreements.
Pre-K locations for the 2024-25 school year
We will be offering full day Pre-K at the following schools.
| Locations | General Ed./ESL | Bilingual Spanish | Bilingual Vietnamese |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cisneros | Yes | Yes | No |
| Parsons | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Abbett | Yes | No | No |
| Back | Yes | No | No |
| Bradfield | No | Yes | No |
| Bullock | Yes | Yes | No |
| Caldwell | Yes | Yes | No |
| Carver | Yes | Yes | No |
| Club Hill | Yes | No | No |
| Cooper | Yes | No | No |
| Couch | Yes | Yes | No |
| Davis | Yes | Yes | No |
| Dorsey | Yes | No | No |
| Freeman at Golden Meadows | Yes | Yes | No |
| Heather Glen | Yes | Yes | No |
| Herfurth (magnet) | Yes | Yes | No |
| Hickman | Yes | No | Yes |
| Keeley | Yes | No | No |
| Liberty Grove | Yes | Yes | No |
| Lister | Yes | No | No |
| Luna (magnet) | Yes | No | No |
| Montclair | Yes | Yes | No |
| Northlake | Yes | Yes | No |
| Pearson | Yes | No | No |
| Roach | No | Yes | No |
| Rowlett | Yes | No | No |
| Sewell | Yes | No | No |
| Shorehaven | Yes | Yes | No |
| Shugart | Yes | No | No |
| Southgate | No | Yes | No |
| Spring Creek | Yes | No | No |
| Steadham | Yes | No | No |
| Stephens | Yes | Yes | No |
| Toler | Yes | Yes | No |
| Weaver | Yes | Yes | No |
| Williams | Yes | Yes | No |
Ready to enroll?
We're excited to welcome your family to Garland ISD! Learn about the process and get started on our enrollment page:
Contact us
For more information, contact: