Montgomery, Ala. (WDNews) – Governor Kay Ivey is expanding Alabama’s early education efforts with the addition of 55 new Pre-K through 3rd grade classrooms for the 2025-2026 school year.
The new classrooms are part of the state’s Pre-K–3rd Grade Integrated Approach to Early Learning (P-3), which now includes 454 classrooms in 29 counties. The initiative is designed to create a seamless learning experience from pre-kindergarten through third grade, aligning instruction, assessments and leadership to improve outcomes.
“Each year, Alabama’s P-3 approach continues to build momentum,” Governor Ivey said. “Through my Strong Start, Strong Finish initiative, we are setting the stage for lifelong success and empowering every child to reach their fullest potential.”
The program, led by the Alabama Department of Early Childhood Education in partnership with the State Department of Education, aims to narrow the achievement gap by building on the success of the state’s First Class Pre-K model.
New classrooms will be added to schools across north and central Alabama, including:
- Highland Park and Webster Elementary (Colbert County)
- Parkside Elementary (Cullman County)
- Hollywood Elementary (Jackson County)
- Kilby Laboratory School (Lauderdale County)
- Brindlee Mountain, Asbury, and Sloman Elementary (Marshall County)
- South Shades Crest Elementary (Shelby County)
- Several schools in Walker County, including Carbon Hill, Oakman Middle, Parrish Elementary, and Valley Jr. High
ADECE Secretary Jan Hume said the expansion reflects a commitment to research-based early learning. “We are excited to welcome these new classrooms to the P-3 network,” she said.
More details about the initiative are available at children.alabama.gov/educators/pre-k-3.
