Conroe ISD will begin testing a pilot program to offer full-day pre-K at two of its elementary campuses this coming fall.

CISD Director of Communications Sarah Blakelock said the pilot will be at Sam Houston Elementary School and Houser Elementary School. The two campuses were selected based on their location and readily available classroom space.

According to Blakelock, Sam Houston Elementary is anticipated to see 82 pre-K students for the pilot. Houser Elementary is anticipating a total of 39 students.

"The pilot will allow the district to monitor the program implementation on a small scale before expanding the program districtwide," Blakelock said. "Full-day pre-K will also allow students more time for academic and social/emotional development."

Following the pilot program, CISD plans to start offering full-day pre-K options at all campuses currently offering half-day programs. Full-day pre-K is a mandate of state House Bill 3, which was signed into law June 11.

School districts have access to two three-year vouchers to extend the deadline for the mandate in order to have the necessary facilities. CISD has already indicated it plans to use at least one of its vouchers.

"The pilot this year will allow the district to better determine a timeline for the full rollout," Blakelock said.

Parents interested in enrolling their children should contact their neighborhood campus. New student registration begins Aug. 3, with more information available here.