In a community where hundreds of children have no access to preschool or daycare, these funds will help 20 families to receive high quality Montessori education and day care for their children. Our community effort is limited only by space and funding. High school graduation rates are about 50% and there is high unemployment among the youth. These rates are dramatically different for children who attend preschool.
Our community faces the challenge of educating and preparing our young people for a life of learning in an environment where there are not sufficient funds to support this goal. The drop out rate is over 50%. Scores on state tests are low in many schools. Many young people find themselves in trouble with the law. The district recognizes that children do better with preschool, but no funds are available to make it accessible to all children.
Children with preschool experience are generally ahead when they reach kindergarten..Children who have developed independence and self-control are more likely to continue to do well throughout their school experience. Montessori emphasizes independence and choice for children. Increasing the number of children with preschool will change the child's school experience. We cannot give preschool to everyone now, but we must increase our numbers, even if it is one child at a time.
Long term, we can change our community to one where the majority of our children finish high school and leave school ready and able to support their families. Our preschools have many alumni who have attended the best high schools and colleges and have excelled. We want these opportunities for all children. We also find that when families see other children benefitting, they will seek the same.
