SBCSC to double Pre-K offerings for 2025-2026 school year

SOUTH BEND, Ind. -- Big Changes Ahead for some of South Bend’s smallest students! The South Bend Community School Corporation announcing a significant expansion of its Pre-K programs for the 2025-26 school year Thursday.

In hopes to enhance access to early education for families within the community.

ABC57’s Jackie Bauer sat down with current SBCSC preschoolers; on all the things they have learned before reaching kindergarten.

Beginning in the 2025-26 academic year, SBCSC will increase the number of full-day Pre-K classes from 9 to 19 at 14 different elementary schools in the district.

“We are excited to double our Pre-K classes, ensuring that more families have access to high-quality early education, which is crucial for our children's future success,” said Eileen Cramer, Title 1/Early Learning Coordinator. “This expansion represents a tremendous opportunity for our community, and we strongly encourage SBCSC families to enroll early and secure their spots.”

The following schools will host these new Pre-K programs:

- Clay International Academy

- Coquillard Elementary School

- Darden Elementary School

- Harrison Elementary School (one Dual Language Immersion class and one English class)

- Lincoln Elementary School

- Madison STEAM Academy

- Marquette Montessori

- Marshall Traditional School

- McKinley (one Dual Language Inclusion Pre-K class, three General Education Pre-K classes)

- Monroe Elementary School

- Muessel Elementary School (two classes)

- Nuner Fine Arts Academy

- Swanson Traditional School

- Wilson Elementary School

And students will go from 3 to 6-hour days!

All of this free of charge for families interested. Through the On My Way Pre-K voucher.

The application process begins April 1. To enroll a student in Pre-K, families must complete both the On My Way Pre-K application and the SBCSC Pre-K enrollment. Students must be 4 by August 1st to apply.

Early enrollment is highly encouraged, as space is limited, and acceptance will be determined on a first-come, first-served basis.

For more information a Pre-K Enrollment Fair will be held on May 12, from 3-7 p.m. at the Brown Administration Building Gym, located at 737 Beale St.