The Grapevine-Colleyville ISD Board of Trustees have approved moving forward with a tuition-based pre-kindergarten program beginning in the 2016-2017 school year.

“We believe a commitment to early childhood education is critical in strengthening the foundation for future successes of our students, and we are excited to be able to provide this opportunity for more families in our district as part of the tuition-based program,” said Dr. Shiela Shiver, Executive Director for Instructional Leadership.

Last fall district leaders began investigating the feasibility of a tuition-based program at Bear Creek Elementary, Bransford Elementary, Colleyville Elementary and O.C. Taylor Elementary schools. Interested families were able to submit an application similar to any of the district's special programs, and the initial lottery for spots at the predetermined campuses will be held Friday, April 1.

Based on the community interest in this program, the district will be able to fill up to six classrooms and offer tuition-based pre-kindergarten to four-year old students. While those who are selected during the lottery will be given first right of refusal, the application will become available online for an additional window on Monday, April 19 for those who may have missed the initial window.

Students who are four-years old and live in Grapevine or Colleyville are invited to participate in the full day GCISD Pre-K program where they can become academically and socially prepared for kindergarten. A highly qualified GCISD instructor will work with students on core subjects, such as math, literacy, science and social studies, while also teaching social skills that will serve as their foundation for elementary school.