Drop in students enrolled in early childhood education programs, HISD data shows

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — Dr. Carrie Cutler loves kids. Not only is she a mother of 8, but she is also a professor at the University of Houston, teaching future educators how to instruct early education students.

“The rich preschool environment is really going to help kids develop skills, develop those relationships, and be well prepared for the rigors of school,” Cutler said.

When it comes to a child’s brain, Dr. Cutler says they need to use it or risk losing it. He says the more a young child is challenged, the stronger their mental function will be later in life.

“The more neural connections, the more kids can make sense out of the things they are experiencing anew,” Cutler said.

HISD data shows a drop in the number of kids attending early childhood centers, pre-k, and kindergarten. Numbers dropped during the pandemic, and they’ve struggled to bounce back, with 25% fewer students enrolled in the 2024-25 school year compared to 10 years ago. District data from this year shows enrollment down at seven of the 11 early childhood centers.

But a drop in enrollment doesn’t mean these students aren’t beginning their education.

“There are so many competitors, such as charter schools, popping up in our district. I know recently we looked at the data, and we had approximately over 20 new charters that have been built within the HISD boundaries,” Marisol Castruita, HISD Director of Early Childhood Education, said.

Castruita said that from language barriers to competition, the district faces challenges when it comes to increasing enrollment. This year, the district is knocking on doors in neighborhoods where enrollment is down and hosting informational events to let families know the district offers free early education programs.

“Pre-k is, of course, not mandated, but there are certain criteria the parent could meet, such as low income or if they receive SNAP benefits, and those qualify them automatically for the free program for the entire school year,” Castruita said.

Critics of school vouchers have argued that we could soon see more of a decline in public school enrollment, as pre-k students can get up to $10,800 to attend private schools. ABC13 asked Castruita about voucher impacts. She referred us to the district communications team, and we are waiting to hear back.

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