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DPS highlights Whittett School as recruitment focus for under-enrolled preschool seats
Summary
DPS leaders described the Whittett School as the district’s only dedicated preschool facility (8 classrooms, 5-star licensed), outlined targeted outreach and a parent testimonial video, and said they’re using cross-enrollment marketing and community events to fill vacancies.
Karen Thompson, DPS director of early education, gave a closeup of the Whittett School and the district’s recruitment efforts. "The Whittett School is the only dedicated preschool age facility in Durham Public Schools," Thompson said, noting it houses eight classrooms (six general ed, two exceptional children’s classrooms), holds a five-star license and offers full-day programs with optional wraparound care.
Thompson and colleagues described outreach steps deployed midyear: a social-media video with parent testimonials, cross-enrollment marketing teams, presence at job fairs and community festivals, and door-to-door tours. "We have been posting the video... all over social media recruiting the families that we here have here in Durham County to come join us at the Whittett School," Thompson said. Staff said part of the effort included partnering with English-learner services, exceptional-children leadership and public affairs to distribute flyers and set up enrollment tables.
The presentation acknowledged Whittett’s post-COVID enrollment decline for some classroom types and said wraparound care is available this year despite earlier gaps. Officials urged ongoing community outreach and said staffing and licensed instruction support the school’s quality rating.
