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Pre-K Readiness

Young students in graduation caps in classroom

MUSD Offers Waterford Upstart Pre-K Readiness Program

The State of Arizona is making it possible for up to 700 students to participate in a pilot Pre-K readiness program, Waterford Upstart, that teaches preschool-aged children basic skills they need in reading, math, and science, to prepare them for success in kindergarten and beyond. MUSD is pleased to promote this to our families as an early childhood education option.  This pilot program is funded by the governor’s discretionary ESSER funds.

The online program is designed for four-year-olds who will enter kindergarten next year, in August 2024. Waterford Upstart provides award-winning software, online activities and resources, and family-focused guidance at no cost to participants. Participants will receive:

  • Personalized family education and coaching to help you support your child’s learning
  • A new computer, if needed
  • Internet, if needed
  • Adaptive educational software focused on early reading, math and science

“Waterford Upstart is a quality national program and a consistent means of providing Pre-K students with opportunities to build academic skills and routines ahead of kindergarten. We encourage our Marana families with future kindergarten students to consider this free educational resource.Joshua Bayne, Executive Director, State and Fedral Programs

The program reports success in states where it has been launched. On average, graduates enter kindergarten reading at almost a first-grade level, and academic gains continue through the fourth grade, especially among under-resourced populations. Families are provided with everything they need to complete the program.

Approximately 700 spots are available for students in qualifying districts this year and next year, for a total of 1,400 spots. The program is restricted to families residing in areas outside of the Tucson and Phoenix metro areas.  Native American students statewide are eligible to participate.

Consider enrolling your future Marana student today! For more information or to enroll, visit waterford.org/upstart.

MUSD is dedicated to ensuring that all visitors and devices can access our content, aligned with accessibility requirements. For your convenience, a file is provided below for download that replicates the content in the article above in English and Spanish. Please reach out to our District office at (520) 682-3243 if you have any additional questions about this program. Thank you.

MUSD Offers Waterford Upstart Pre-K Readiness Program (Spanish Version Flyer)

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