Washougal School District will offer tuition-free, full-day kindergarten at Hathaway Elementary School in the fall, thanks to money in the recent state budget earmarked for schools with higher percentages of students who qualify for free/reduced meals.
The school is adding two teachers and one classroom to offer three full-day sessions, said Laura Bolt, principal. In the spring, two teachers taught three half-day sessions.
“Having full-day kindergarten is such an opportunity for these kids. Many don’t get to go to preschool,” said Bolt. “It gives them the boost they need.”
Bolt called the families of the 63 pre-registered kindergartners so they could plan for all-day school.