The Arlington ISD is going “Full STEM Ahead!” this fall for four-year-olds in pre-K classrooms. Even better, the program will be free for parents that live in Arlington school district boundaries, or those who want their kids to attend even if they don’t live in Arlington.
STEM + FREE + FINE ARTS = WIN
The innovative new STEM curriculum will give students an introduction to lessons involving science, technology, engineering and math, which is a game changer. Art, music and movement will also be integrated into every classroom throughout the year for
students to receive a powerful whole-child education.
The Arlington ISD has also removed a major barrier to enrollment – cost. Arlington ISD now offers a universal pre-K program for all four-year-olds making it free for all students.
While the combination of STEM and free may sound too good to be true, it’s not in the Arlington ISD. The district is uniquely qualified to bring STEM to pre- 4 students.
21st Century Learning
Every Arlington ISD elementary school is already equipped with two STEM labs, thanks to Arlington taxpayers supporting the 2014 Bond. With STEM already part of the curriculum in elementary schools, adding it to the expanded pre-K offerings is the next step.
“The Arlington ISD provides our 21st-century learners exceptional educational opportunities throughout their experience in our schools. This journey for our youngest learners begins with pre-K,” Arlington ISD Superintendent Dr. Marcelo Cavazos said. “We know that by starting STEM early through fun and interactive experimentation, our pre-K students will be inspired to learn and discover through their lifetime.”
STEM in pre-K might seem a little daunting for your future student, but there’s no need to worry. If they love to play with LEGOs, Play-Doh, build things (or take things apart), and have a natural curiosity about everything, they will love STEM.
Still not convinced? Let’s take a deeper dive into what you’re going to get by sending your pre-K 4 student to the Arlington ISD.
STEM Perks
There’s no denying that STEM careers are where the future is heading. STEM careers currently make up 20 percent of all U.S. jobs. That number continues to rise. Just imagine what that’s going to be like in 2036. That’s right, your future Arlington ISD pre-K student will be the Class of 2036. STEM jobs already pay higher than those in other areas. A STEM education in the Arlington ISD is further proof of our commitment to sparking a student’s interest in science, technology, engineering and math.
Free for All
The Arlington ISD ensures that everyone has access to a high-quality education, starting with four-year-old pre-K students, by removing one of the barriers that stop some – cost. While families must still fill out the federally required qualifying paperwork for pre-K, even if they don’t qualify, they will have equal access to the pre-K 4 education offered in the Arlington ISD at no cost. Pre-K students have better literacy, math, and social-emotional learning results than students who don’t attend pre-K. The cost of pre-K will not be a barrier to a chance at that success in the Arlington ISD.
Highly-qualified teachers
Every Arlington ISD pre-K teacher is certified to teach early childhood learning. There are also teaching assistants at the pre-K level every step of the way. Arlington ISD teachers don’t just teach, either. They nurture, guide, and love your child like they were their own. They focus as much on their social and emotional needs as they do on making sure they are learning their letters and numbers.
It’s Fun!
There’s nothing that says learning can’t be fun, at least not in the Arlington ISD pre-program. When your student is expanding their vocabulary and writing skills, they will be having fun along the way. That’s going to be the same if they’re in the STEM lab, at recess or working with our award-winning fine arts team. There’s lunch. There’s rest and recharge time for pre-K 4 students. There’s plenty of music and movement time. And all of it is fun.
Want to find out more? You can visit aisd.net/prek for all the latest information on the Arlington ISD pre-K program. Registration begins April 1. We’ll see you this fall.