Dallas ISD is launching a new Pre-Primer initiative for the 2026–2027 school year, creating a specialized bridge year for young learners who may benefit from additional support before entering first grade.
Angie Gaylord, chief academic officer, said Dallas ISD is expanding creative choice by bringing a successful local private school model to public school families.
The pilot program will serve targeted groups of students: kindergarteners who need academic acceleration and additional time, and incoming first graders who did not previously attend kindergarten in Dallas ISD.
The initiative was developed after identifying achievement gaps among students entering first grade without prior kindergarten experience, as well as among students born in the summer months who may benefit from additional developmental time.
“This is what innovation looks like. And this is what it looks like, not just to envision a particular program, but how a system can fundamentally work differently in a way that benefits all of our students,” said Ben Mackey, who is on the Dallas ISD Board of Trustees.
Students enrolled in Pre-Primer will receive instruction that blends kindergarten and first-grade standards, helping strengthen early literacy, phonics, and math skills while building confidence in the classroom.
“This new grade level will enhance the overall experience a child has in their early grades,” said Deborah Ramos, assistant superintendent of Early Learning and Centralized Development.
Participation in the pilot program will remain optional for families, with schools working directly with parents to discuss student needs and placement options.
