Sullivan County Schools to Expand Pre-K Program

All 10 elementary schools will offer pre-K thanks to new grant funding.

Apr. 8, 2026 at 12:00am

An abstract, impressionistic scene of children playing on a playground, with soft focus and muted, warm colors creating a dreamlike atmosphere.Expanding access to pre-K education will give more Sullivan County children a strong start in their academic journeys.Kingsport Today

Sullivan County Schools in Tennessee announced plans to expand their pre-kindergarten program to all 10 of their elementary schools, made possible by a new grant that will provide the necessary funding and resources.

Why it matters

Early childhood education is a crucial foundation for student success, and expanding access to pre-K can help ensure more children in the community are prepared for kindergarten and beyond. This investment in Sullivan County's youngest learners demonstrates a commitment to educational equity and setting up students for long-term achievement.

The details

The expansion of the pre-K program will bring free, full-day pre-kindergarten classes to all 10 elementary schools in the Sullivan County district. Previously, only some schools had offered pre-K, limiting access for many families. The new grant funding will cover the costs of teachers, classroom materials, and transportation to make the program accessible to all eligible children in the county.

  • The pre-K expansion will begin in the 2026-2027 school year.

The players

Sullivan County Schools

The public school district serving Sullivan County, Tennessee, which includes the city of Kingsport.

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What’s next

School officials plan to hold information sessions for parents in the coming months to provide details on enrollment and eligibility for the expanded pre-K program.

The takeaway

This investment in early childhood education demonstrates Sullivan County's commitment to ensuring all students, regardless of background, have access to high-quality learning opportunities from an early age.