Last month, August 2020, the “doors” opened to our first two elementary schools, North Central Elementary and Southeast Elementary, serving students kindergarten through second grade. Well on their way to keep students learning through the pandemic through virtual classes, we look forward to officially opening the actual doors to their schools on Tuesday, September 29, to offer in-person learning.
In May 2020, we announced the two additional schools opening in August 2021: North Forest Elementary and Southside Elementary. With the 2021-22 student lottery season opening soon, on November 2, we are excited to share that families will now be able to apply to enroll their student in pre-K at all four YES Prep elementary schools.
Importance of pre-K
With the addition of pre-K, YES Prep will begin to nurture and foster the minds of our youngest students yet, by providing a high-quality full-day pre-K program! Research shows that children who attend early childhood programs can be expected to:
Lance Menster, Managing Director of Elementary School Programs
- Be better prepared for school
- Have better attendance
- Have fewer behavior problems
- Have increased chances of learning to reading at an earlier age
- Develop important social and self-regulation skills
- Have the foundation for brain development and future learning
Children who attend pre -K are ready to learn and become successful confident learners! YES Prep provides a wide variety of learning experiences that will lead students to success in their academic journey to and beyond college.
“I beyond excited and proud to support the launch of our YES Prep equity-driven and high-quality prekindergarten program. The research is clear and there is no question that our pre-K program will significantly improve kindergarten readiness, third-grade reading proficiency, and provide a college-ready education with our youngest learners. We have beautiful pre-K classrooms and programming in our brand-new buildings awaits our founding pre-K students starting in the 2021-22 school.” - Lance Menster, Managing Director of Elementary Schools Programs
How to apply for pre-K
Beginning November 2, you can apply for a seat in our high-quality YES Prep pre-K program by submitting an application into our lottery system via SchoolMint. In order to be considered, your child must meet one or more eligibility requirements as determined by the Texas Education Agency:
- Free or reduced-price lunch program eligible
- Unable to speak and comprehend English
- Homeless or unstable housing
- Is or has ever been in foster care
- Child of active duty member of U.S. Military branch or reserves
- Child of a member of the U.S. Armed Forces, including state military forces or reserves, who was injured or killed while serving on active duty
YES Prep is excited to welcome its youngest students next fall and are eager to continue to provide a high-quality, college-ready education to students in Houston. To learn more about YES Prep elementary schools, click here.
Invest in Houston and YES Prep students
With our Leading Houston Forward campaign, YES Prep will build elementary schools and add 10,000 high-quality seats to serve 23,000 students by 2024. Click here to learn more. Now more than ever, your gift makes an impact. Support YES Prep students and the future of Houston by making a gift online today.