Enrollment Numbers to Increase for Bramlett Elementary School Pre-K Program This Fall

The student enrollment numbers for prekindergarten (pre-K) students will jump to 112 at the beginning of the 2015-2016 school year, according to Oxford school officials.

Currently, the Bramlett Elementary School (BES) pre-K program serves 95 students, which equals six classrooms with 16 students in each classroom.

“The expansion will create greater early education opportunities for students who need it,” said BES Principal Suzanne Ryals.

Next school year, pre-K students will attend school all day and after-school care will be offered to them. With the pre-K program expansion some changes would occur at the district level, such as bus route changes with pre-K students being able to take the school bus to and from school.

“From the funding end, the school district will not incur any expenses on the district level for increasing the number of pre-K spots for our school children,” said Ryals.

Ryals says that she sees pre-K students benefiting from the program daily.

“Our kindergarten assessment this school year (2014-2015) shows that BES pre-K students are ready for kindergarten,” she said. “Our students receive social and academic benefits through our blended pre-K program.”

BES uses Head Start guidelines, income eligibility, and then incorporates a first-come, first-served basis for students who apply for the school’s pre-K program. The program expansion opens the door for other parents and students who might not be able to attend because of the short school day, which existed in past school years.

“Our minimum waiting list has always been 50,” said Ryals. “The children who apply to attend our pre-K program will now have a better chance of receiving the education that they deserve.”

Visit www.oxfordsd.org/BES for more information on Bramlett Elementary School.

Story courtesy Oxford School District