Area schools receive state grant to provide free Pre-K

Branson Public Schools continue free Pre-K through state grant

Branson Public Schools has been awarded the Missouri Quality Pre-Kindergarten (MOQPK) Grant by the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education for the fifth consecutive year, securing funding for 117 full-day preschool slots during the 2026-2027 school year.

The MOQPK grant supports high-quality preschool programs throughout Missouri and allows eligible four-year-old students who meet program requirements to attend Branson Schools Pre-K free of charge, regardless of household income. This marks the third consecutive year the grant has fully funded tuition for all eligible four-year-old students in the district’s preschool program.

"We are honored to once again receive the Missouri Quality Pre-K Grant," said Dr. Staci Ray, Director of Early Childhood. "This funding allows us to continue providing exceptional early learning opportunities for our youngest students while making preschool more accessible for families.”

To be considered for placement, Pre-K students must:

● Reside within the boundaries of the Branson School District.

● Turn four years old on or before July 31, 2026.

● Complete a free developmental screening through the Branson Parents as Teachers program.

Interested parents and guardians should complete the 2026-2027 Preschool Interest Form by visiting www.branson.k12.mo.us. After submitting the Preschool Interest Form, families will receive an email with instructions to schedule a developmental screening appointment.

Space is limited, and families are encouraged to complete the Preschool Interest Form as soon as possible. Eligible students will be considered as forms are received. For more information visit www.branson.k12.mo.us or call the Early Childhood Center at 417-336-1887.

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Grant provides free Pre-K for families

Attending preschool greatly improves a child’s likelihood of success throughout their academic journey. Thanks to a new state grant, 60 local families will now have the opportunity to send their children to preschool at Reeds Spring Primary School for free!

RSPS was recently awarded the 2026-2027 Missouri Quality PreKindergarten (MO-QPK) Grant from the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE). This grant covers full tuition for eligible students, regardless of family income.

“We are excited to offer more families access to high-quality early childhood education through the Missouri Quality Pre-K Grant,” said Primary School Assistant Principal Tara Connors. “This funding allows us to remove a financial barrier for many families while continuing to provide a strong foundation for our youngest learners.”

Eligibility requirements To qualify for the free PreK program, children must meet the following criteria:

Age: Turn four years old on or before July 31, 2026.Residency: Live within the Reeds Spring School District boundaries.

Screening: Complete a free developmental screening through the district’s Parents as Teachers program.

“Preschool is an important first step in a child's educational journey,” Connors said. “We are grateful for this opportunity to welcome more children into our classrooms and look forward to partnering with families as their children begin their school experience.”

How to enroll. Spaces are limited, and students will be enrolled on a first-come, first-served basis. Parents and guardians are encouraged to act quickly. To schedule a required developmental screening, please call Reeds Spring Primary School at 417-272-3761.