NDDPI Offers No-Cost Kindergarten Prep Program

(Bismarck, ND) -- The North Dakota Department of Public Instruction partners with schools and communities to provide a statewide system of excellent service and support to ensure a healthy school environment that fosters student success.

NDDPI offers Waterford UPSTART, an in-home kindergarten readiness program for families, that will give your child a fun start in reading or math and science in just 15-20 minutes a day, five days a week. The UPSTART program is now accepting learners for the 2021-2022 school year to participate in the program at no charge.

This program provides four-year-old children access to the greatest form of academic support in their early education at no cost to participants:

  • Personalized family education and coaching
  • New computer and internet if needed
  • Adaptive educational software

The average Waterford UPSTART graduate enters kindergarten reading at nearly a first-grade level and maintains their gains for years to come. Waterford UPSTART’s goal is to ensure every child, regardless of geography, economic status or background, enjoys the success of arriving to their first classroom on day one with confidence and excitement to learn.

You can find out more information about the program by clicking here.