Thousands of Georgia Pre-K students start school - WALB.com, Albany News, Weather, Sports

Thousands of Georgia Pre-K students start school

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The first day of school is an exciting time for any student, but especially for those going to class for the first time.

Pre-K students at the Sylvandale Pre-K center in Albany were among those experiencing their first day of school Monday.

This year the state added 10 days back to the Pre-K calendar, making the school year 170 days.

Administrators say that's extremely important since this is when children develop their foundation for education.

"We like to call it front loading, because if you invest at the very beginning you save money on the end," said Gloria Kendall, the Director of the Dougherty County Schools Pre-K Program.  "It's good not only for the children's education, but also for the economic development of the state of Georgia." 

84,000 children will enter Pre-K this year across Georgia.  It's the 20th anniversary of the lottery-funded Pre-K program.

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