Updates and Options for Chatham County Families
With the Savannah-Chatham County Public School System (SCCPSS) sending out Notification of Lottery Eligibility for pre-K, kindergarten, and select schools, parents in Chatham County are keen on understanding the next steps and additional options available for their children’s early education. The SCCPSS has scheduled a Kindergarten Orientation on March 27, providing a valuable opportunity for both parents and children. Meanwhile, Savannah Classical Academy (SCA) is introducing a new pre-K program starting the 2024-25 school year, offering an alternative to the state’s lottery-funded options.
SCCPSS Kindergarten Orientation and Registration
SCCPSS invites parents to a Kindergarten Orientation session, aiming to ease the transition for incoming students by familiarizing them with the classroom setting and school expectations. This initiative underscores the district’s commitment to ensuring a smooth start for both students and parents. Additionally, families are encouraged to review registration information and school attendance zones available on the SCCPSS website.
New Pre-K Program at Savannah Classical Academy
SCA is setting a precedent by launching its own pre-K program, independent of the state’s Bright From the Start program. This move allows for instructional flexibility, catering to the individual learning stages of each child. Despite not offering scholarships initially, the SCA Foundation is actively working on financial support options for families. With a limited number of slots available, the program is open to all Chatham County residents, showcasing SCA’s commitment to accessible quality education.
Exploring Additional Pre-K Opportunities
For families still searching for pre-K options, SCCPSS offers 65 lottery-funded classes, and the Coastal Empire Montessori Charter School provides a Montessori-based pre-K program. Moreover, Georgia’s Head Start and Early Head Start programs serve as viable options for families meeting certain eligibility criteria. Despite Georgia not offering universal pre-K, these varied options demonstrate the efforts to accommodate the educational needs of young learners in Chatham County.
The ongoing dialogue about making pre-K and kindergarten mandatory reflects the recognized value of early education in shaping students’ academic futures. As Chatham County families navigate these options, the collective efforts of SCCPSS, SCA, and other institutions play a crucial role in providing foundational educational opportunities for the community’s youngest members.