Branson, Reeds Spring School Districts Receive Grant for Pre-School Funding

Two Lakes Region School Districts announce Grant Funding for the pre-school spots for the upcoming school year.

The Branson and Reeds Spring School Districts have been each awarded a  2026-2027 Missouri Quality Pre-Kindergarten Grant from the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. 

According to releases from both school districts, the grant covers full tuition for eligible students, regardless of family income.

According to the Branson School District release, the grant award will allow the district to fund 117 full day preschool spots for this school year while 60 spots will be funded for Reeds Spring Pre-School students according to their release. 

"We are honored to once again receive the Missouri Quality Pre-K Grant," said Dr. Staci Ray, Director of Early Childhood for Branson Schools in the district release. "This funding allows us to continue providing exceptional early learning opportunities for our youngest students while making preschool more accessible for families.”

“We are excited to offer more families access to high-quality early childhood education through the Missouri Quality Pre-K Grant,” said Reeds Spring Primary School Assistant Principal Tara Connors in their district's release. “This funding allows us to remove a financial barrier for many families while continuing to provide a strong foundation for our youngest learners.”

Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for the free PreK program, children must meet the following criteria:

-Turn four years old on or before July 31, 2026
-Live within the Branson or Reeds Spring School District
-Complete a free Developmental Screening through the appropriate district's Parents as Teachers program. 

For more information on how to enroll in the Branson Program, visit www.branson.k12.mo.us or call the Early Childhood Center at (417) 336-1887.

Meanwhile for those in the Reeds Spring District, call the call the Primary School office at 417-272-3761.