Scranton School District Expanded Early Education Programs
Families in the district now have access to four preschool classrooms as the local system scales up its early childhood offerings.
Updated on Oct. 9, 2026 in Administration
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Scranton School District has implemented a series of academic and operational improvements over the past 2.5 years, including a new science of reading curriculum and an expanded preschool footprint. The district now operates four preschool classrooms across its elementary schools.
Why it matters
The district has prioritized these initiatives to address mental and behavioral health issues, which leadership identifies as significant barriers to classroom learning. These changes have led to the district being recognized as a proof point by the Pennsylvania Literacy Coalition.
The district currently operates four preschool classrooms at Charles Sumner Elementary School, McNichols Plaza, and John Adams Elementary School. This capacity will grow with a new Pre-K Counts classroom opening at Neil Armstrong Elementary School later this month.
The players
Erin Keating
The superintendent of the Scranton School District who has led the recent academic and operational improvement initiatives.
Scranton Federation of Teachers
The local labor union that partnered with the district to introduce the science of reading curriculum.
Pennsylvania Literacy Coalition
A statewide advocacy group that identified the district as a model for successful educational progress.
Agency for Community Empowerment of NEPA
The community organization that entered an agreement with the school board to support local early childhood programs.
The details
To improve student literacy, the district partnered with the Scranton Federation of Teachers to adopt the science of reading curriculum. Simultaneously, the district expanded support staff by increasing the number of school counselors and social workers. Operational growth was further bolstered by an agreement with the Agency for Community Empowerment of NEPA, which enabled the launch of Head Start preschool services.
Timeline
2024: District and teachers union partnered for literacy program.
Late 2024: Board approved preschool program agreement.
Early 2025: Head Start preschool program commenced.
Early May 2026: Pennsylvania Literacy Coalition identified district as proof point.
Oct. 19, 2026: New Pre-K Counts classroom scheduled to open.
The Home Front
The district's focus on early childhood and reading curriculum aligns with broader efforts to address student achievement gaps through targeted instructional shifts. This reflects a regional trend where districts are formalizing partnerships to stabilize student support services.
Parents with young children should check the district website to confirm eligibility and enrollment windows for the new Pre-K Counts program at Neil Armstrong Elementary School. Keep the school district’s calendar on file to stay informed about future expansion phases for early learning.
The takeaway
The Scranton School District is actively scaling its early childhood infrastructure to better support student behavioral and academic needs. Families should monitor district communications for new enrollment opportunities at neighborhood schools as these programs continue to expand.
What happens next
A new Pre-K Counts preschool classroom is scheduled to open at Neil Armstrong Elementary School on Oct. 19, 2026.
Further reading
For updates on district policies and operational changes, visit Administration.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Scranton Times-Tribune.
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