CUSD Preschool Programs Achieve Highest Quality Rating

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Children enjoying a rich learning environment at a Coronado preschool program.

News Summary

The Coronado Unified School District (CUSD) has received a top quality rating for its preschool programs at Silver Strand and Village Elementary Schools from the San Diego County Office of Education. Earning a perfect score of 5 out of 5 in the latest SDQPI assessment, this achievement underscores CUSD’s commitment to excellence in early childhood education. With an emphasis on positive relationships, high-quality instruction, and child development support, the district is now accepting applications for the 2025-2026 preschool year.

Coronado, California – The Coronado Unified School District (CUSD) has achieved a significant milestone with its preschool programs at Silver Strand and Village Elementary Schools receiving the highest quality rating from the San Diego County Office of Education (SDCOE). This accomplishment highlights a commitment to excellence in early childhood education, as both preschool sites earned a perfect rating of 5 out of 5 in the latest assessment under the San Diego Quality Preschool Initiative (SDQPI).

The SDQPI evaluation system is designed to assess early childhood education programs based on critical indicators of educational quality and the extent of child development support. Under the rigorous standards of this initiative, CUSD’s Silver Strand Preschool distinguished itself with a perfect subscore of 30 out of 30, underscoring its exceptional quality of education and care.

Shane Schmeichel, the Director of Special Programs at CUSD, commented on the success, emphasizing the dedication of the staff and the high standards of the programs. This recognition reflects the hard work and commitment to providing a nurturing educational environment that fosters growth and learning for young children.

The SDQPI rating system evaluates preschool programs using several key criteria, ensuring a comprehensive approach to early education. These criteria include:

Promotion of positive relationships between children, educators, and families
Delivery of high-quality instruction
Use of assessments to monitor child progress
Optimal group sizes and staff-to-child ratios
Safe and enriching learning environments
Strong program leadership and oversight

CUSD is currently accepting applications for its preschool programs for the 2025-2026 school year. Families interested in enrolling their children should be aware that placements are offered on a first-come, first-served basis. To qualify for enrollment, children must have been born between September 2, 2021, and December 1, 2022.

Additionally, families with children eligible for Transitional Kindergarten (TK)—those born between September 2, 2020, and September 1, 2021—can opt to enroll their child in preschool if that is their preference. This flexibility allows families to choose the most suitable early education path for their children.

For more information on enrollment procedures, interested families can visit the CUSD preschool website at coronadopreschool.com. Registration can also be completed online through CUSD’s designated registration portal.

CUSD has been recognized in the region for its commitment to quality early childhood education programs, contributing positively to the foundation of learning for young children. The exceptional ratings received by the preschool programs at Silver Strand and Village Elementary Schools further exemplify the district’s dedication to nurturing and developing the next generation of learners in Coronado.