Our Michele Block Gan Yeladim Kindergarten now accepts Florida’s School Choice – Step-up scholarships for private school students entering kindergarten. These new scholarships from the state are aimed at helping families in Florida access quality early childhood education – and we are thrilled that this includes attending kindergarten at our JCA.
The School Choice Step-up Scholarship is a state-funded program, designed to support Florida families in choosing the best educational options for their children. Specifically, this scholarship offers financial assistance to families who wish to enroll their children in a private school with a more nurturing learning environment.
Kindergarten in our Michele Block Gan Yeladim Preschool & Kindergarten offers a curriculum that focuses on academic achievement as well as social, emotional, and ethical development – all while we prepare students for success. Our constructivist and Reggio Emilia Approach to Learning nurtures children’s natural curiosity and intrinsic motivation. Using the elements of inquiry and project-based learning, our teachers encourage exploration and discovery while emphasizing the learning process.
Unlike traditional kindergarten settings that may rely heavily on standardized curricula, teacher-directed instruction, and predetermined lessons – our approach prioritizes inquiry-based learning. This means questions and natural curiosity from children drive them to discover more! By emphasizing hands-on experiences, collaboration, and reflection, we cultivate critical thinking skills, creativity, and a strong sense of ownership over learning outcomes.
Step-up scholarships will cover a portion of tuition costs in our kindergarten class, making it more affordable for families. This initiative aligns with our state’s broader goal of expanding access to higher-quality education and empowering parents to make the best decisions for their children’s academic future – and we are incredibly proud to be part of it.
Eligibility for the School Choice Step-up Scholarships is based on a combination of factors. Funding is available to children who are residents of Florida and who are entering kindergarten, typically ages 5 or 6. Families must also ensure that the child is at the appropriate age for kindergarten enrollment according to the individual school’s guidelines.
Your family can learn more about the scholarships through the official Florida Department of Education website. The application for the Step-up scholarship opens Feb 1, click here to find the application. For more information on School Choice and the various scholarships available for students K-12, please visit the Florida Department of Education.
Parents and guardians, watch for upcoming application dates to enroll your children in kindergarten at the JCA. For more details about Michele Block Gan Yeladim Preschool & Kindergarten, or to schedule a tour please click here or email ganyeladim@jcajax.org.
