Spring Branch ISD Featured News

New research from Rice University highlights pre-K benefits for SBISD students
 
PreKindergarten

 

A recent analysis from Rice University’s Kinder Institute for Urban Research underscores the significant advantages of prekindergarten participation for Spring Branch Independent School District (SBISD) students.

As part of a regional study on pre-K outcomes across Greater Houston, the findings show that SBISD students who attended pre-K are better prepared for kindergarten and show higher academic performance compared to their peers who did not attend pre-K. Notably, Good Reason Houston's data dashboard also reveals that SBISD kindergarten students are leading the region in achievement.

The benefits of attending pre-K include:

Kindergarten Readiness: SBISD pre-K participants are far more likely to be ready for kindergarten. Specifically, they are 27% more likely to be ready in English and 63% more likely to be ready in Spanish than their peers who did not attend pre-K.

Chronic Absenteeism: Pre-K students in SBISD are less likely to miss school. They have a 14% lower rate of chronic absenteeism in both kindergarten and first grade compared to their non-pre-K peers.

English Proficiency: Emergent bilingual students who attended pre-K in SBISD made significant progress in English language skills. On average, these students scored higher on English proficiency tests, improving by about one-third of a point in both kindergarten and first grade.

These findings highlight the crucial role of early education in setting the foundation for long-term academic success.

A strong foundation 

These positive pre-K outcomes are part of a broader pattern of academic excellence in SBISD. We are committed to providing Every Child with the tools they need to succeed. 

SBISD continues to excel in key areas like STAAR assessments and College, Career, and Military Readiness (CCMR). In 2024, the district achieved its highest-ever CCMR score—73—marking a 9-point increase from the previous year.

SBISD’s success is reflected not only in high scores but also in its rankings. The district ranked in the 92nd percentile for Relative Performance on STAAR assessments among 98 similar Texas districts, reaffirming SBISD’s commitment to ensuring every student receives a high-quality education.

According to Good Reason Houston’s 2023 data, SBISD students consistently outperform both local and state averages, particularly in third-grade reading and eighth-grade math—key indicators of long-term academic success and college readiness.

These accomplishments demonstrate SBISD’s dedication to its T-2-4 vision, which ensures every student is prepared for college, career, or military readiness by graduation. 

Families considering SBISD for pre-K

Enrolling your child in SBISD’s pre-K program offers more than just a head start—it gives your child the opportunity to thrive in a district that is at the forefront of academic achievement. With continuous gains in performance, including in critical subjects like reading and math, SBISD is an excellent choice for families seeking a pathway to success for their children.

Enroll your child today!

Visit SBISD’s pre-K website to learn more about enrollment.

We look forward to meeting you and your child!