7 North Alabama schools to have classrooms funded by State’s education department

ALABAMA (WHNT) – Governor Kay Ivey announced on Wednesday that 64 new classrooms would be funded for the 2024-25 school year, including seven schools in North Alabama.

The classrooms will be funded through the Pre-K through 3rd Grade Integrated Approach to Early Learning (P-3).

This funding will bring the number of classrooms that are impacted by the P-3 approach to 413 in 29 counties. The Alabama Department of Early Childhood Education (ADECE) and the Alabama State Department of Education will work together to coordinate instructional practices, assessments and leadership from pre-k to 3rd grade.

Now moving into its eighth year, the goal of the P-3 approach is to expand the early learning continuum from First Class Pre-K through 3rd grade.

“What started in 2017 with 35 classrooms has now grown into a seamless learning continuum for students from pre-k to third grade,” said Governor Ivey. “As part of my Strong Start, Strong Finish initiative, this program ensures a comprehensive educational approach that aligns and integrates with student learning during the crucial years when children experience the greatest growth potential.”

The seven schools in North Alabama that will receive this funding are:

• New Bethel Elementary School in Colbert County
• Howell Graves Preschool in Colbert County
• G. W. Trenholm Primary School in Colbert County
• Lauderdale Elementary School in Lauderdale County
• Underwood Elementary School in Lauderdale County
• Boaz Elementary School in Marshall County
• Barkley Bridge Elementary School in Morgan County

Jan Hume, acting secretary of the Alabama Department of Early Childhood Education, says this program is a prime example of the work being done for early education across the state.

“This successful partnership with local school systems and the Alabama State Department of Education is one of the many examples of the great work going on around the state to ensure that more children have access to high-quality, age-appropriate learning that provides a solid foundation for the long-term success of Alabama’s young learners,” Hume said.

State officials say the P-3 approach builds on student success and helps to narrow the achievement gap by expanding Alabama’s access to high-quality pre-k model. P-3 is funded by the ADECE through the Strong Start, Strong Finish initiative.

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