As we look ahead to the 2025-2026 school year, we’re excited to share some important changes to the way we deliver our preschool programs across the district. After thoughtful consideration and planning, we will be transitioning to a new model where preschool classes will be offered at four central “hub” schools instead of at every school site.
Why the Change?
This transition is guided by our commitment to providing the best possible early learning experiences for our youngest learners while meeting updated state guidelines. On August 6, 2024, the South Carolina Department of Education announced that all 3K and non-CERDEP (Child Early Reading Development and Education Program) 4K programs must comply with DSS childcare licensing requirements. While the School District of Pickens County (SDPC) remains committed to serving early childhood students, the new requirements present significant logistical and operational challenges for maintaining these programs in their current format.
To align with the updated guidelines and focus on high-quality programming, SDPC will restructure its preschool services to prioritize CERDEP-eligible students. This change is part of our ongoing commitment to providing enriched early learning experiences for our youngest learners while meeting state requirements.
Changes Beginning Fall 2025:
3K Programs: SDPC will no longer offer 3K programs. However, current 3K students will roll up to one of our 4K programs, and we look forward to continuing to serve them in the 2025-26 school year.
4K Programs: Our 4K programs will focus on experiential learning environments designed to meet CERDEP guidelines.
4K Programs - Experiential at Hub Schools:
Our 4K programs will adopt a focus on experiential learning environments designed to spark curiosity and inspire discovery. These vibrant, engaging classrooms will be located at the following hub schools:
East End Elementary
Hagood Elementary
Liberty Primary
Six Mile Elementary
Click here to see examples of these exciting environments (https://youtu.be/XmZr49CMZHM)
4K - Additional Classrooms for 2025-26:
To accommodate current 3K students transitioning to 4K, one 4K classroom will remain open for the 2025-26 school year at each of these sites:
Crosswell Elementary
Dacusville Elementary
McKissick Academy
West End Elementary
Preschool Programs No Longer Offered at Certain Schools:
Students zoned for the schools listed below who qualify for 4K through CERDEP will attend one of the designated hub schools (see above). Preschool programs will no longer be offered at the following schools beginning Fall 2025:
Ambler Elementary
Central Academy
Clemson Elementary
Forest Acres Elementary
Pickens Elementary
Our hub sites were chosen based on accessibility, facilities, and community needs. By consolidating preschool classes into these four hub schools, we can focus our resources on creating enriched, high-quality environments that promote hands-on learning, experience-based exploration, and discovery—all of which are core to our educational philosophy for early childhood.
We are excited about the opportunity this new structure presents and are confident it will lead to stronger outcomes for our preschoolers in the long run.