This summer, Carver and Bridgeport Public Schools are celebrating an inspiring milestone: the expansion of the “Kick-Off to Kindergarten” program, now serving 90 children across five elementary schools in Bridgeport. What began several years ago as a pilot program has evolved into a powerful partnership and a lifeline for families eager to give their children a strong and confident start to their school careers.
Designed for incoming kindergarteners with little or no prior classroom experience, Kick-Off to Kindergarten introduces young learners to their first school experiences through a joyful blend of social-emotional learning, academic exposure, literature, and enrichment. Each school hosts 15 students for a 19-day, four-hour-a-day program that includes breakfast, lunch, and foundational instruction—all led by certified BPS teachers and early childhood-credentialed paraprofessionals.
This summer, Carver is proud to bring this transformative early learning opportunity to Cesar Betalla, Geraldine Claytor, Interdistrict Discovery (which has two classrooms this year), Jettie Tisdal (a new school added this year), and Waltersville Elementary School.
The 2024 program, conducted at four of the aforementioned schools (Jettie Tisdal is new this year), was a resounding success. Using the nationally recognized Brigance Screen III, educators measured student progress from the start to the end of the program:
📚 Average growth: 14 points
📚 Highest individual gain: 45 points
📚 Pre-program average score: 68.5
📚 Post-program average score: 83.5
These gains represent far more than numbers. They tell the story of children arriving at school more confident, curious, and ready to learn. Families are seeing it. Teachers are seeing it. And the entire Bridgeport community is benefiting.
The John and Ethel Kashulon Foundation helped make our innovative programs in Bridgeport possible. Their ongoing commitment to Carver’s work in Bridgeport has helped bring opportunity, enrichment, and readiness to hundreds of children. Because of their support, we are opening doors and opening futures.
Since launching our first BPS partnership in 2018 with the Classical Studies Magnet Academy Extended Day Program, Carver has remained deeply committed to Bridgeport’s youngest learners. “Kick-Off to Kindergarten” is an investment in stronger students, stronger schools, and a stronger Bridgeport.
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our BPS partners, the John and Ethel Kashulon Foundation, early childhood educators, and Carver families for believing in what’s possible when we work together. The success of this initiative proves what we’ve always known: early intervention matters—and it works.
