The Bowser Administration marked a significant milestone in Washington, DC’s educational landscape with the commencement of pre-K classes at DC Public Schools (DCPS). The celebration, held at the newly renovated Garfield Elementary School in Ward 8, underscored the city’s commitment to early childhood education and infrastructure improvement.
Garfield Elementary, a historic building that recently underwent a $60.5 million modernization, served as the perfect place for this occasion. The renovation seamlessly blended the school’s classic charm with modern upgrades, emphasizing sustainability and innovative learning spaces. Notably, the school now boasts Ward 8’s first DCPS “teaching kitchen” and integrates public art throughout its premises, creating an inspiring environment for young learners.
Mayor Muriel Bowser, present at the celebration, expressed her pride in the city’s educational achievements. “Today is a milestone for our families and young learners starting their educational journeys,” she stated. The Mayor highlighted DC’s distinction in providing not just free pre-K, but ensuring its high quality. She emphasized that the city’s dedication to public education goes beyond creating beautiful facilities to investing in world-class educators for pre-K classrooms.
Washington, DC’s leadership in Early Childhood Education (ECE) is evident in its extensive pre-K access for 3- and 4-year-olds. DCPS, along with public charter schools and community organizations, collectively offer 14,000 free pre-K slots. The city boasts impressive enrollment rates, with 80% of 3-year-olds and 88% of 4-year-olds participating in pre-K programs.
Chancellor Ferebee underscored the transformative impact of quality pre-K education. “Opening the doors to our pre-K classrooms opens the gateway to a lifetime of learning,” he remarked. He pointed out that early exposure to quality education fosters inquisitiveness, creativity, and confidence in young learners, setting them up for success in kindergarten and beyond.
The celebration at Garfield Elementary also highlighted the school’s new role in the DCPS network. It now joins other schools with integrated child care centers for infants and toddlers, ensuring a smooth transition from early childhood programming to pre-K. This development is part of a larger initiative by the Bowser Administration to expand early learning opportunities across the city.
DGS Director Delano Hunter praised the modernization efforts at Garfield Elementary, noting the positive reactions from students, teachers, and staff to their new facilities. The $60.5 million investment included adapting the historic 1950s building for a childhood development center and installing one of Ward 8’s first fully equipped teaching kitchens.
The event also shed light on the Bowser Administration’s broader commitment to Early Childhood Education. Under Mayor Bowser’s leadership, the District has invested over $100 million in expanding ECE opportunities. This investment supports high-quality child care options for families, helps providers grow their businesses, and supports early childhood educators in building successful careers.
The Office of the State Superintendent of Education (OSSE) is playing a crucial role in enhancing access to child care through the DC Child Care Subsidy Program. Recently, OSSE expanded eligibility to 300% of the federal poverty level, allowing more families to benefit from this program.
Furthermore, OSSE’s launch of the Apprenticeship in Teaching program this spring provides a free pathway for paraprofessionals and high school graduates to become certified teachers in high-demand areas, including early childhood education. The program is set to place 50 apprentices across DCPS and public charter schools in the 2024-25 school year.
The celebration at Garfield Elementary thus marked not just the opening of pre-K classes for the new academic year, but also symbolized Washington, DC’s ongoing commitment to providing high-quality, accessible early childhood education to all its young residents.