We're thrilled to share some exciting news about our kindergarten program at West Bountiful Elementary! Over the past few years, we've undergone significant changes to enhance the educational experience for our youngest learners, and the results have been outstanding.
Up to the 2022-2023 school year, our kindergarten sessions were half-day only, providing foundational instruction to our students. However, starting the 2023-2024 school year, we transitioned to three full-day kindergarten classes, each with an embedded half-day session. Half-day students leave at 11:35 a.m. Monday through Thursday and at 10:55 a.m. on Fridays and early out.
Our dedicated office staff has been instrumental in ensuring a smooth transition for all students, walking them from their classrooms to their parents' cars. Half-day students receive core instruction in reading, writing, and math, while full-day students benefit from extended learning opportunities in science, social studies, fine arts, individualized support, and more.
In the 2023-2024 school year, 91% of our kindergarten students were enrolled in the full-day program, showcasing a remarkable shift in our educational approach. Of those who began as half-day students, 89% transitioned to full-day, underlining the success and acceptance of our new model.
One of the most remarkable achievements has been in reading and math accomplishments. Over the past year alone, we've witnessed incredible growth:
Reading:
Reading proficiency 2022-2023: 68%
Reading proficiency 2023-2024: 90%
Students making expected or better growth in reading achievement 2022-2023: 54%
Students making expected or better growth in reading achievement 2023-2024: 85%
Math:
Math proficiency 2022-2023: 40%
Math proficiency 2023-2024: 73%
Students making expected or better growth in math achievement 2022-2023: 32%
Students making expected or better growth in math achievement 2023-2024: 86%
We owe this success to the dedication and hard work of our kindergarten teachers! Our full-day kindergarten students have exceeded expectations, prompting our first-grade teachers to take "field trips" to witness their progress firsthand.
When registering your student, please inform the office staff member of your preference for half or full-day kindergarten. A final decision regarding the kindergarten program at West Bountiful Elementary will be made upon completion of the registration process for all incoming kindergarten students for the 2024-2025 school year.
We're immensely proud of the strides we've made in providing a nurturing and enriching environment for our kindergarten students. Thank you for your continued support as we strive for excellence in early childhood education.