A new preschool is open in Medford, giving more children an early start to their education.

The Ivy School location at Oak Grove Elementary is the sixth in the Medford School District, part of a partnership with the Oregon Center for Creative Learning.

This location joins Howard, Jackson, Griffin Creek, and Ruch Elementary Schools in hosting the preschool.

We know high quality, developmentally appropriate preschool is one important way to help prepare students for entering kindergarten and being successful in school,” said Superintendent Bret Champion. “Making preschool more readily available for local families helps ensure that our youngest learners are known and challenged, and have the opportunity to achieve their potential."

Funding from the Preschool Promise and the Student Success Act allows families in the district to participate free of charge or at a reduced cost.

According to the district, over 100 preschoolers are enrolled in the Ivy Schools across Medford.

The Ivy School is a program by the Oregon Center for Creative Learning (formerly KidTime) that offers preschool education using a Reggio Emilia-inspired approach.