Bartlesville Public Schools elementary classrooms are bustling with activity. It's an especially exciting time for four-year-olds enrolled in pre-kindergarten classes, enjoying their first experience in the public school system. Presently, Bartlesville Public Schools enrolls approximately 260 students in its pre-kindergarten classes held at each elementary school site throughout the district.

Recently, Oklahoma was named as the top state in the nation in percent of four-year-old children attending quality public pre-school programs. 53.4 percent of Oklahoma four-year-olds were enrolled in early childhood education in 2001, compared to the national average of 15 percent. This year, 60 percent of Oklahoma's four-year-olds are enrolled in pre-kindergarten. Now Oklahoma's early childhood education program has been recognized as the national model for early childhood education.

In addition, in February the state of Oklahoma received national recognition, ranking the state's early childhood education as the most accessible in the nation. The first-of-its-kind national survey stems from a report by the National Institute for Early Education Research (NIEER), a New Jersey-based organization that researches and analyzes early childhood education issues. NIEER also praises Oklahoma as being one of only three states that require all its preschool teachers be certified.

At Bartlesville Public School sites, the pre-kindergarten schedule is similar to the half-day kindergarten schedule. Students attend half days, either morning or afternoon. However, these few hours are packed with learning and social opportunities for these young students. The curriculum in BPS pre-kindergarten classes focus on the fundamentals -- colors, shapes, alphabet, basic number concepts-- all the beginning foundation for learning that will help that student throughout his or her life. However, just peeking into a pre-kindergarten classroom doesn't tell the whole story. What may look like play to adults, is actually peer involvement that teaches young students important social skills like how to work together, how to follow the teacher's instructions, and the importance of obeying school rules.

Research has shown the first few years of life are critical for a child's cognitive development and learning, and to a child's overall attitude about learning. The U.S. Department of Education cites a report on the success of pre-kindergarten programs. This report evaluated pre-kindergarten programs that showed children who were enrolled in high-quality early education were less likely to drop out of school, repeat grades, or need special education, compared with similar children who did not have such exposure. Beyond that, the study showed an overall higher level of academic achievement for students who attended pre-kindergarten.

Bartlesville Public Schools is committed to providing our students from pre-kindergarten through twelfth grade the highest quality education in a safe environment, where these students can reach their full potential. Bartlesville Public Schools are Striving for Excellence!