Highline Public Schools will fund tuition-free full-day kindergarten at all schools starting this fall. Highline has committed to making full-day kindergarten a funding priority, regardless of the amount the state legislature allocates to full-day kindergarten.
Highline will offer tuition-free full-day kindergarten in all schools starting in the fall.
The state currently funds full-day kindergarten in eight high-poverty schools in Highline, and lawmakers are wrangling over plans that would fund some additional schools.
“We cannot wait for the legislature to act. Full-day kindergarten is the right thing to do for all our children and families now,” said Superintendent Susan Enfield. “This is a game-changer for our students.”
Full-day kindergarten is a key strategy for meeting the district goal of 95 percent of next fall’s kindergartners performing at or above grade level in all core subjects by the end of Grade 3. Multiple studies show that children who participate in full-day kindergarten make significant gains in reading and math compared with students in half-day programs. Research also shows that mastering reading and math skills by third grade is critical for success throughout middle and high school.
“This is one of several critical investments Highline making toward the bold goals in our new strategic plan,” said Enfield. The district is also investing in high-priority goals for older students, such as ensuring that 19 out of 20 students pass Algebra by Grade 9, and that 19 out of 20 students in the freshman class of 2013 graduate successfully.