TR Jackson Early Head Start

The T. R. Jackson Pre-Kindergarten School originates from a rich and inspiring history whose roots represent a legacy of persistence and determination to serve children in Santa Rosa County. The school first came into existence in the 1940's serving black students first through ninth grade, then was moved to its present site in 1953 where black students could attend grades one through twelve, and changed again in 1969 because of desegregation and became an elementary school serving kindergarten through fifth grade students.

During the summers of 1968 and 1969, T. R. Jackson was used as a site for 4 year old federally funded Head Start classes. T. R. Jackson did not see another Pre-Kindergarten class until the fall of 1990. At that time, a state funded Early Intervention Program classroom was placed at T. R. Jackson. The school once again asserted itself as the county's leader in establishing a comprehensive Pre-K program. During this time, the school's K-5th grade student population declined while the enrollment for Pre-K (Early Intervention and Head Start) increased. The District school system assigned Head Start component specialists and assistants for Social Services, Nutrition/Health, Education, Mental Health/Disabilities, and Parent Involvement to the school's staff.

On November 22, 1994, the Santa Rosa School District School Board voted on relocating mid-county Pre-K classes housed at other elementary schools (Pace, Pea Ridge, Milton, East Milton, and Bagdad) to T. R. Jackson Elementary. Further, T. R. Jackson's kindergarten through fifth grade student population would be redistributed to other elementary schools. These changes became effective the fall of 1995 thus converting T. R. Jackson from an elementary school into the present T. R. Jackson Pre-Kindergarten School.

The consolidation of all Pre-K classes to T. R. Jackson enabled a better utilization of program dollars both from the State and the Federal Governments. Dollars generated by these programs (Head Start, Early Intervention, and Exceptional Student Education) were stretched further by collaborating with other supporting agencies. The mission adopted by the school was to develop an all encompassing program which united the school based services in instruction and specialty areas, family goals and needs, and community resources.

T. R. Jackson Pre-Kindergarten School of the Santa Rosa District School System is centrally located in Milton. The enrolled students are from families who have met income eligibility requirements and/or have a child with a disability. When school is not in session, T. R. Jackson School also serves as the host site for community activities such as T. R. Jackson alumni meetings, Men with Vision meetings and functions, community church gatherings and special events, and numerous other events that require the facilities provided at T. R. Jackson.

T. R. Jackson's historical pursuit and determination to bring positive change to the community still exist today. Rapid growth and economical changes of our time have helped to create families in need of assistance and services. The T. R. Jackson Pre-Kindergarten School has once again accepted the challenge to bring hope, opportunity, and independence to the multi-cultural population of our community.

Additional Information: Provider First Licensed on: 8/8/01;