Copperas Cove ISD to Bring Back Pre-K for 3-Year-Olds in 2026

Three-year-old pre-K is returning to Bulldawg country. Copperas Cove ISD announced on March 11 that it will expand its prekindergarten program to include 3-year-old students beginning with the 2026-27 school year, with Mae Stevens Early Learning Academy on Manning Drive serving as the host campus.

Superintendent Dr. Brent Hawkins framed the expansion as a direct response to community need. "We know there is a need for families in and near our community to begin the educational journey," he said. "At the end of the day, our schools serve the community we live in and we know that this is an opportunity to provide a greater value to our community at no cost to families."

That last phrase is central to the announcement: CCISD states the expanded pre-K program will carry no cost to families. The district also offers out-of-district transfers at no cost, meaning families living outside CCISD boundaries can apply for a transfer spot to access the program. Families interested in enrolling are directed to visit CCISD.com to learn more and submit a transfer application.

For parents who want to see the campus in person, Mae Stevens Early Learning Academy will host its annual Pre-K Roundup on May 5 from 4:30 to 6 p.m. at the campus, located at 302 Manning Dr. in Copperas Cove. The event gives families a chance to connect with staff and learn more about what the program offers before the school year begins.

The pre-K expansion is one of several moves CCISD has made heading into the 2026-27 school year. District trustees have also approved the addition of 11 career and technical education courses and ratified the 2026-27 academic calendar. Mae Stevens itself has been part of a district-wide run of recognition, with three CCISD elementary schools earning spots on both the statewide Educational Results Partnership Honor Roll and U.S. News and World Report's list of Best Elementary Schools in Texas. A fifth CCISD campus also recently earned the prestigious CREST Award.

Families with questions can contact Mae Stevens Early Learning Academy directly at 254-547-8289 or reach the CCISD central office at 254-547-1227. The district office is located at 408 S. Main St. in Copperas Cove. For inquiries regarding CCISD's non-discrimination policies, contact the Executive Director of Human Resources or Director of Student Services at the same number and address.