ASD preschool director highlights benefits of early learning for disadvantaged children

The Anchorage School District (ASD) is taking significant steps to enhance early childhood education, as discussed in the recent Finance Committee meeting on March 27, 2025. A key focus was the importance of preschool programs in leveling the educational playing field for children from diverse backgrounds.

During the meeting, committee members highlighted how ASD's preschool admissions consider various risk factors, such as frequent relocations and household income levels. This approach aims to prioritize placements for children who may lack access to early learning opportunities, ensuring they enter kindergarten on equal footing with their peers.

Data presented during the meeting underscored the positive impact of preschool attendance on student readiness. ASD preschool attendees scored 2.3% higher than their non-attending counterparts when assessed in kindergarten. Notably, Title I students—those from low-income families—showed even more promising results, with a 5.9% higher benchmark score compared to those who did not attend preschool.

The committee also discussed the potential for expanding preschool services. Currently, ASD is the only district in Alaska to achieve a 0.5 Average Daily Membership (ADM) for its preschool program, which reflects its high standards. There is a push to increase this to a 1.0 ADM, which would allow the district to open more classrooms and serve an additional 170 students, particularly those in Title I schools.

The meeting concluded with a call for further analysis to project the potential benefits of expanding preschool access, emphasizing the long-term economic and educational advantages for the community. As ASD continues to lead in early childhood education, the district aims to ensure that all children have the opportunity to succeed from the very start of their educational journey.