The Power of Pre-K: How Dallas ISD Defied the Enrollment Slump

Early childhood education is making a big difference in Dallas. The Dallas Independent School District (DISD) saw a surprising increase in enrollment this year, breaking a nine-year trend of decline. What's behind this positive change? The district’s pre-K program is a key driver. Many families are discovering that DISD’s pre-K offers a cost-effective alternative to private programs, with longer hours and a head start for their children. District officials are working hard to make early childhood education more accessible. This year, they expanded pre-K to more campuses and extended program hours to full-day for 3-year-olds. These efforts aim to serve families who might struggle with picking up their kids during the day. According to the district's superintendent, Stephanie Elizalde, “When parents don’t have means, it’s very difficult for them to go pick up their child in the middle of the day. If you do a full-day program, more parents are able to participate. ” Research shows that kids who attend pre-K are better prepared for kindergarten, which can lead to better academic outcomes and higher-paying jobs later in life. The benefits of pre-K are clear in classrooms like Colleen Farrisee’s at Arthur Kramer Elementary. Here, 4-year-olds are learning their letters, practicing social skills, and having fun. Farrisee highlights the importance of these early years: “It’s really about social skills. Learning to interact, being caring and kind and respectful. ” Parents like Sholdon Daniels see the change in their kids. His daughter Nova has blossomed socially and academically since starting pre-K. “Her confidence, socially, has just grown exponentially, ” he said. DISD is promoting its pre-K program through campaigns and word-of-mouth. They want families to know that pre-K is beneficial and accessible. Despite the progress, there's still room for growth. The district aims to attract and retain more students by highlighting the advantages of their early education programs.