FWCS pre-K program adjusts to growing numbers

FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WANE) — Families at Fort Wayne Community Schools, FWCS, send their little ones onto the bus for the first day of pre-Kindergarten on Thursday.

Last year, Title I funding allowed the pre-K program to expand, welcoming all of the 4-years-olds into the school district.

Since that expansion, FWCS’s pre-K rosters has seen a massive jump in attendance.

Over 1,000 kids filled pre-K classrooms, making it the largest pre-K program in the state. The program has adjusted to it’s new size, adding new classrooms and more full-day pre-K programs.

FWCS ensures that pre-K is focused on socializing children with other kids and with their teacher. Katie Zeigler, manager of early learning, said the interpersonal skills learned set kids up for success as they graduate pre-K.

“[Kids] learn to get along with others, take turns, listen to their teacher, learn how to walk in a line down the hallway,” Zeigler said. “Those are really the benefits, and the academics come a little later and really prepare them for kindergarten.”

Zeigler said in the coming years she hopes to expand the capacity of the pre-K program so FWCS can serve more children.

There are still some openings for pre-K in the 2024 school year. For more information on the pre-K program or how to register, visit FWCS’s website . Parents who are unsure which school their child would attend can use the online address look-up or call FWCS Family and Community Engagement Center at 260-467-2120.

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