Burlington Community Schools to Relocate Preschool Program

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The Burlington Community School District in Iowa will be relocating its Grayhound Preschool program to the district's four elementary schools beginning with the 2026–27 school year. The move marks a return to the model used prior to 2020, with officials saying the shift will improve collaboration and help create smoother transitions for students between grade levels.

Why it matters

The relocation of the preschool program to the elementary schools is aimed at fostering better coordination and easing the transition for young students as they progress through the education system. However, the change also means the closure of the childcare program at Corse Elementary, which district officials cite as unsustainable due to declining funding and rising costs.

The details

Preschool classes will remain at Corse Elementary through the end of the current school year on May 28. Enrollment is now open for next year's program, and families can attend a 'PEEK at Preschool' event on May 1 at Corse to meet teachers and learn more. The childcare program at Corse will close at the end of the school year, with a tentative final day of June 5. The Corse building will continue to house the Head Start program operated by Community Action of Southeast Iowa, along with other district services.

• Preschool classes will remain at Corse Elementary through May 28, the final day of the current preschool year.
• The childcare program at Corse Elementary will close at the end of the school year, with a tentative final day of June 5.
• The Grayhound Preschool program will relocate to the district's four elementary schools beginning with the 2026–27 school year.

What’s next

Families can attend the 'PEEK at Preschool' event on May 1 at Corse Elementary to meet teachers and learn more about the upcoming changes to the Grayhound Preschool program.