Area schools gain Pre-K-3rd Grade classrooms to expand early learning efforts

MONTGOMERY – Several North Alabama elementary schools will gain new classrooms thanks to a state early childhood education program.

Gov. Kay Ivey and the Alabama Department of Early Childhood Education announced that 55 new classrooms will be funded through the Pre-K through 3^rd Grade Integrated Approach to Early Learning (P-3) for the 2025-2026 school year.

“Each year, Alabama’s P-3 approach continues to build momentum and grow to provide a smooth transition from pre-k to third grade,” said Ivey. “Through my Strong Start, Strong Finish initiative, we are setting the stage for lifelong success and empowering every child to reach their fullest potential.

“Strong students lead to a strong Alabama, and these learning efforts will ensure we continue to strengthen our schools and provide the best education for all students.”

This expansion will increase the number of classrooms implementing the P-3 approach to 454 across 29 counties. The ADECE, in partnership with the Alabama State Department of Education, is working to align instructional practices, assessments and leadership from First Class Pre-K through third grade.

The North Alabama schools are:

• Highland Park Elementary in Colbert County
• Webster Elementary in Colbert County
• Parkside Elementary School in Cullman County
• Hollywood Elementary in Jackson County
• Kilby Laboratory School in Lauderdale County
• Brindlee Mountain Elementary in Marshall County
• Asbury Elementary in Marshall County
• Sloman Elementary in Marshall County

“We are excited to welcome these new classrooms to the P-3 network of schools dedicated to aligning practices and learning environments to what research tells us works for young children,” said ADECE Secretary Jan Hume.

The Alabama Pre-K–3rd Grade Integrated Approach to Early Learning builds upon student success and narrows the achievement gap by expanding access to Alabama’s high-quality pre-k model. P-3 is funded by the ADECE through the governor’s Strong Start, Strong Finish education initiative.

For more information, visit children.alabama.gov/educators/pre-k-3/.