The mayor's office announced a significant advancement in early childhood education with the opening of the modernized Garfield Elementary School. The school, situated in Ward 8, underwent a $60.5 million renovation, enhancing its historical integrity while infusing modern educational utilities, such as Ward 8's first teaching kitchen and immersive public art. According to the Washington, D.C. official website's press release, Mayor Muriel Bowser expressed pride in the city's free and high-quality pre-K offering, emphasizing the investment in skilled educators as the backbone of this initiative.
Chancellor Ferebee hailed the opening of the doors to these pre-K classrooms as a milestone, crediting the city's leadership and family partnerships for equipping the district to facilitate the success of its youngest learners. Meanwhile, DGS Director Delano Hunter shared the enthusiasm witnessed among students, teachers, and staff for their new facilities, revealing a modernization project that not just updated the school but included adapting the historical 1950's portion of the building to accommodate a childhood development center, which was praised for the initiative.
Washington, D.C. maintains its stance as a frontrunner in early childhood education, leading the nation in pre-K accessibility. With 80% of 3-year-olds and 88% of 4-year-olds enrolled in pre-K programs, the district offers a wide-reaching umbrella of educational opportunities through DCPS, public charter schools, and community organizations. Garfield Elementary School will now not only cater to pre-K3 through fifth grade but has also integrated a child care center for infants and toddlers.
Under the Bowser Administration, over $100 million has been invested to expand early childhood education (ECE) options. With support from the Office of the State Superintendent of Education (OSSE), more families have gained access to child care via the subsidy program, with increased income eligibility to 300% of the federal poverty level. This spring, the OSSE unleashed the Apprenticeship in Teaching program, providing a free pathway for becoming certified teachers in high-demand subject areas, including ECE, whereby 50 apprentices are currently serving within the district as part of their vocational training.
