Governor Ivey Announces 35 New Pre-K–3rd Grade Classrooms as Part of Strong Start, Strong Finish Initiative

MONTGOMERY - Governor Kay Ivey on Tuesday announced the addition of 35 new classrooms through Alabama's Pre-K through 3^rd Grade Integrated Approach to Early Learning (P-3) initiative, further expanding coordinated early learning efforts in schools across the state.

The expansion supports the goals of the governor's Strong Start, Strong Finish education initiative, which focuses on preparing Alabama students for long-term success by strengthening learning opportunities during the earliest years of development.

"Alabama continues to make meaningful investments in early childhood education because we know these early years matter," said Governor Ivey. "By expanding the P-3 approach in more schools, we are helping ensure students receive consistent, high-quality instruction that supports their learning from pre-k through third grade."

The P-3 model aligns First Class Pre-K with kindergarten through third grade, helping schools create a more seamless learning experience during the years when children develop critical literacy and foundational academic skills.

The initiative is led by the Alabama Department of Early Childhood Education in partnership with the Alabama State Department of Education, supporting schools as they strengthen instructional practices, enhance leadership collaboration and implement research-based strategies that improve student outcomes.

"This expansion reflects Alabama's continued commitment to supporting our youngest learners and the educators who serve them," said Alabama Department of Early Childhood Education Secretary Ami Brooks. "When schools align instruction from pre-k through third grade, students benefit from a more consistent and supportive learning environment during some of the most important years of their educational journey."

The 35 new classrooms will be implemented during the 2026-27 school year, allowing additional schools across Alabama to participate in the P-3 initiative.

For more information about Alabama's P-3 initiative, visit children.alabama.gov.

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