-News Release-
Rome City Schools is excited to announce the addition of a new Pre-K Inclusion class at East Central Elementary School beginning in the fall of 2026.
The new class marks the first time that Pre-K will be offered at East Central Elementary School and represents another important step in expanding early learning opportunities for students and families across the district.
The addition of the class also aligns with the Rome City Schools Board of Education’s continued focus on early learning and literacy development. Through the district’s Literacy Before Life For Life initiative, Rome City Schools continues working to strengthen early literacy skills and provide students with a strong educational foundation from an early age.
“This is an exciting and historic opportunity for East Central and Rome City Schools,” Superintendent Dr. Eric L. Holland said. “Expanding early learning opportunities is critical to helping students build a strong academic foundation before they enter kindergarten. We are thrilled to bring Pre-K to East Central for the first time and look forward to welcoming students and families into this new program.”
Dr. Holland said the expansion reflects the district’s ongoing commitment to investing in students early and creating opportunities that help move the needle academically across Rome City Schools.
“Our Board of Education has made early learning and literacy a priority because we know those early years are critical to long-term student success,” Dr. Holland said. “This new class supports our Literacy Before Life For Life initiative and continues our work to ensure students enter kindergarten prepared to learn and thrive.”
Students must be 4 years old on or before Sept. 1, 2026, to be eligible for enrollment. The class is open to families living in Rome and the surrounding communities. The class has room for 18 students.
Registration for the new class began on Thursday, May 14, and applications will be accepted through May 29, or until all 18 spots are filled. Applications may be picked up at East Central Elementary School or provided electronically upon request.
“We’e incredibly elated and grateful for this ground-breaking opportunity to grow our district’s Pre-K program, to increase enrollment at East Central, and to offer additional early learning opportunities for the students and families of East Central and Rome City Schools,” Coretta Stewart, Rome City Schools Director of Curriculum and Instruction,
