By Dr. Sarah Baray, Pre-K 4 SA CEO
As we begin a new calendar year, I find myself reflecting proudly on all that Pre-K 4 SA’s children, families, educators, and community partners achieved together in 2025.
While every year brings progress to celebrate, this one stands out as a powerful reminder of what is possible when we invest in early learning and prioritize giving children the strongest possible start.
Starting a New Chapter in Early Learning
One of this year’s most significant accomplishments was celebrating the opening of the new South Education Center. This state-of-the-art Center is more than a new building; it is a reflection of our commitment to the city’s youngest learners and their families, as well as educators and the future of San Antonio.
The new South Center is a critical investment in expanding access to early childhood programs in a part of our city that’s considered a child-care desert. By bringing programs directly into communities with limited options, we are meeting families where they are and ensuring more children have the opportunity to begin their educational journey with confidence.
The South Center also includes infant and toddler classrooms, aligning with our mission to bridge educational gaps and ensure children in San Antonio have a strong foundation for future academic success.
Driving Exceptional Outcomes Across the Board
This year, Pre-K 4 SA children exceeded national readiness thresholds in cognitive, literacy, and math measures. These results reaffirm what we observe every day: children thrive academically, socially, and emotionally in joy-filled, high-quality early learning environments. Our educators continue to set a standard of excellence, producing outcomes that will guide a generation of children through their educational journeys.
Supporting Families Beyond the Classroom
Throughout the year, we also expanded our collaboration with community organizations across our centers. From mental health support to family resource workshops, these partnerships ensure that families have access to the tools and services they need to thrive. We know that children learn best when their families feel supported. By working together with trusted partners, we are enriching the whole-family experience in meaningful and lasting ways.
Building Community With Every Gathering
In November, we hosted our 7th annual Family Reunion at Morgan’s Wonderland, welcoming thousands of current and former Pre-K 4 SA families for a day of laughter, learning, and celebration. Watching children giggle with glee and families form bonds with one another and staff in such a joyful setting reminded us why community is at the heart of everything we do. Moments like these strengthen the bonds that support a child’s growth long after the school day ends.
We closed out the calendar year with a December full of family-friendly events, including our Open House, Pop-Up Shops, Celebration of Lights, and family-led learning experiences. These activities brought together families, children, and staff in ways that highlighted the joy of learning and the warmth of community. Every smile, every shared moment, and every creative discovery served as a reminder of why our work matters so deeply.
Looking Ahead to Another Year of Possibilities
As we look forward to 2026, I am energized by the progress we’ve made and the possibilities ahead. Thank you to every family that’s been with us on this journey, every educator who brought their passion and expertise into the classroom, and every partner who helped us strengthen our impact across the city. Together, we’ll continue opening the door to possibilities for each child, each family, and the communities we serve.
