Ozark district secures state preschool grant

Anna Thurman, executive director of elementary learning in Ozark, said the grant relieves a financial burden for families.

For the third consecutive year, Ozark School District’s Tiger Paw Early Childhood Center received funding that offsets the tuition for up to 120 students who plan to enter kindergarten during the 2027-28 year.

The Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education awarded Ozark the one-year Missouri Quality Prekindergarten grant – known as MOQPK – that is worth up to $780,000.

“We are appreciative of the continued focus our state is giving to early intervention and education,” said Anna Thurman, executive director of elementary learning, in a July 23 news release. “This grant award allows our families to access the excellent education our Tiger Paw program continues to provide our youngest learners, while relieving a financial burden.”

Tiger Paw offers three preschool classrooms for children ages 3-4 and six preschool classrooms for children ages 4-5, serving a total of 180 children. To qualify for the grant, a child must be age 4 by July 31, 2026.

The grant is available to families regardless of their income level.

“Receiving this grant for the third consecutive year is a testament to the hard work and commitment of our administrators,” Superintendent Lori Wilson said in the release. “Their dedication to pursuing opportunities that support our students and families continues to make a meaningful difference, and we’re incredibly grateful for this ongoing investment in our community.”

In addition to Tiger Paw, the Ozark district offers early childhood special education, Parents As Teachers, transitional kindergarten and employee childcare programs, the release said.