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4 more CMSD preschools get top rating

CMSD NEWS BUREAU
12/16/2017

Four more CMSD prekindergarten sites have earned the state’s highest rating for quality.

Miles, Willson, Newton D. Baker and Mary B. Martin schools received five stars on the state’s Step Up To Quality system. Ratings are based on factors that include learning and development, staff quality, professional development, administrative and leadership practices and family and community partnerships.

The state previously gave top marks to six other District schools: Adlai J. Stevenson, Andrew J. Rickoff, Anton Grdina, Charles A. Mooney, Memorial and Tremont Montessori schools. The District is rated as a five-star provider overall, but individual schools are seeking ratings that could help increase state funding.

Expanded access to high-quality preschool is among the many elements of The Cleveland Plan, a citywide blueprint for education reform.

The PRE4CLE network, a partnership between CMSD and private providers, seeks to increase the number of seats in high-quality preschools and make parents more aware of those opportunities. To be considered high quality, preschools must receive at least three stars on the state rating system.

PRE4CLE was formed last year. The network now serves 4,107 children at 106 sites, more than half of those at District schools.