Spring ISD’s Early Childhood Programs Earn Praise in Kinder Institute Report
Spring Independent School District (Spring ISD) is earning accolades for its early childhood education initiatives, highlighted in a recent study by Rice University’s Kinder Institute for Urban Research. The report, titled Pre-K Enrollment and Early Elementary Outcomes in Spring ISD, showcases how the district’s prekindergarten (pre-K) programs are making a measurable difference in the lives of young learners.
According to the study, students who participated in Spring ISD’s pre-K programs were more likely to be prepared for kindergarten, attend school regularly, and perform better in language development assessments. The data shows that 20% of English-speaking pre-K attendees were kindergarten-ready, compared to just 15.3% of non-attendees. For Spanish-speaking students, the difference was even greater—82% of pre-K attendees were ready for kindergarten, versus only 37.9% of their peers.
Pre-K attendance also positively impacted student attendance in early grades. Those who attended pre-K were significantly less likely to be chronically absent in kindergarten and first grade, a critical factor in early academic success. Additionally, emergent bilingual students who attended pre-K demonstrated stronger English proficiency in early elementary school.
Dr. Erin Baumgartner, Director of the Kinder Institute’s Houston Education Research Consortium, emphasized the broader implications of these findings. “Pre-K is about much more than learning ABCs—it’s about equipping students with the foundational learning and emotional skills they need to succeed, not just as students but as future contributors to their communities and society.”
Mobile Sidebar Ad
Expanding Opportunities for Early Learning
Spring ISD has taken bold steps to ensure that all young learners have access to high-quality early education. In addition to its existing pre-K4 programs, the district recently introduced a Pre-K3 program at three elementary schools: Link, McNabb, and Winship. These efforts reflect the district’s belief in the transformative power of early learning.
Unlike many programs limited by income or federal eligibility criteria, Spring ISD offers pre-K to all children within district boundaries who meet the age requirement. “Providing access to pre-K for all of our youngest learners is a testament to our dedication to supporting families and preparing students for success,” said Dr. Lupita Hinojosa, Superintendent of Spring ISD.
By removing barriers to enrollment, the district aims to ensure that every family can benefit from its programs. These initiatives not only address academic readiness but also provide vital support to families seeking affordable and accessible education options for their children.
A Strong Foundation for Future Success
Spring ISD’s commitment to early childhood education extends beyond academics. The district views its pre-K programs as a cornerstone for long-term student success. “Investing in our youngest learners sets the foundation for their future success,” said Board President Justine Durant. “Expanding access to quality pre-K programs is one of the most important ways we can support our students and their families.”
The Kinder Institute report reinforces this perspective, noting that decades of research link high-quality early education to better outcomes throughout a student’s academic journey and beyond.
Mobile Sidebar Ad
Looking Ahead
As Spring ISD continues to expand and enhance its early education programs, the district remains steadfast in its mission to provide equitable opportunities for all students. By offering free pre-K and pioneering innovative programs like Pre-K3, Spring ISD is setting the standard for early childhood education in the Houston region.
Families interested in enrolling their children in Spring ISD’s pre-K programs can visit the district’s website for more information. To learn more about the Kinder Institute’s findings, the full report is available at kinder.rice.edu/research/prek-outcomes.
Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.
