SOUTH BEND, Ind. -- The South Bend Community School Corporation announced the expansion of its Pre-K programs for the 2025-26 school year.

School officials say this initiative aims to enhance access to early education for families within the community.

“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.”

SBCSC says it will increase the number of full-day Pre-K classes from nine to 19 across elementary schools in the district.

These schools will host the new 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 

Pre-K classes will operate on a full-day schedule, typically from 7:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

SBCSC invites families to their Pre-K & Kindergarten Roundup, an opportunity to explore district schools and prepare for the 2025-26 school year, on March 27 and 28.

You can find more information about these events and RSVP online.

Officials say families will also be given essential information and assistance regarding the enrollment process at a Pre-K Enrollment Fair on May 12, from 3-7 p.m. at the Brown Administration Building Gym, located at 737 Beale St.

Children must be 4 years old by Aug. 1 to qualify.