A Conversation with Kentasha McMorris and Courtney Isaak Pichon

In Fall 2024, Brownsville ISD and San Antonio ISD demonstrated the highest pre-K enrollment among large urban districts in Texas, with Corpus Christi experiencing the most significant growth since 2021 (see graph below). What sets these three districts apart from other large urban districts? Good Reason Houston’s pre-K expert and district partnerships manager, Kentasha McMorris, set out to find the answers. In the following conversation, Kentasha and Courtney Isaak Pichon, Chief Partnerships Officer, discuss what makes the difference when it comes to districts experiencing pre-K enrollment growth in the post-pandemic era. 

Note: Pre-K enrollment is calculated as the percent of ADA-eligible 3- and 4-year-olds who enrolled in public pre-K in 2024. Enrollment is calculated by dividing the total number of 3- and 4-year-olds by the estimated number of pre-K-eligible students. (The number of pre-K eligible students is determined using 2x the eligible first grade counts).

Courtney: Kentasha, tell us a little about your background and why you are passionate about pre-K enrollment in Houston?

Kentasha:  I’ve spent over 15 years in education as a teacher, instructional leader, and campus administrator, and I’ve seen firsthand how a high-quality pre-K experience can shape a child’s future. Most recently, I served as the Founding Campus Director for a nonprofit early childhood center in Houston, and I’ve supported schools in building stronger enrollment pipelines. I’m passionate about pre-K enrollment because I know it’s not just about filling seats, it’s about ensuring every child has access to a strong academic and social-emotional foundation. In a city as large and diverse as Houston, that means meeting families where they are and making sure systems are built with access, clarity, and care.

Courtney: How did you go about seeking to understand more about Brownsville, Corpus Christi, and San Antonio ISDs?

Kentasha: Over the years, Good Reason Houston has continuously learned from San Antonio and we welcomed the opportunity to to learn more from Brownsville and Corpus Christi. This spring, I reached out to district leaders, reviewed their enrollment strategies and early childhood program models, and scheduled exploratory meetings to better understand their approaches to community outreach, transportation, and pre-K expansion. I also examined public data, such as enrollment trends and Kinder Readiness scores, to identify patterns and promising practices that could inform our work in Houston.

Courtney: What do all three districts have in common that you believe contributes to their high enrollment?

Kentasha: There are some clear trends across these three districts that likely contribute to their high and climbing pre-K enrollment rates, such as:

• Commitment to Full-Day Pre-K – All three districts prioritize extended learning time for early literacy, math, and social development.
• Community and Leadership Support – Investment from local governments, businesses, and educational institutions plays a crucial role in program success.
• Strong Educational Frameworks – Each district emphasizes high-quality instruction, experienced teachers, and structured curriculum to ensure student success.
• Strategic Partnerships – Whether through Head Start collaborations, city-backed funding, university partnerships, or public-private partnerships, these districts leverage external support to strengthen Pre-K access and quality.

Courtney: What makes San Antonio’s approach unique?

Kentasha: In San Antonio, the district has uniquely prioritized pre-K as the cornerstone of early childhood education. Their targeted investments, such as specialty transportation featuring buses equipped with monitors and cameras, directly address parental safety and accessibility concerns. More importantly, San Antonio has placed pre-K on a pedestal, clearly communicating its critical value as the foundational stage of a child’s educational journey. By positioning pre-K as essential rather than optional, they meet parents’ core needs for quality, safety, and developmental support, driving higher enrollment and sustained parental trust.

Courtney: What advice do you have for Houston area districts looking to grow their enrollment? What advice do you have for our city at-large?

Kentasha: There are key opportunities for improvement and continued learning to increase pre-K enrollment in Houston-area districts:

• Explore Full-Day Pre-K 3: In districts that are currently only focused on pre-K 4, districts should conduct a risk-benefits analysis to explore pre-K 3 expansion. In districts where pre-K 3 is currently available, consider full day pre-K 3 (where half-day is offered) and expanding accessibility to both eligible and non-eligible students.
• Expand and Tailor Marketing: In addition to launching a city-wide taskforce and securing civic and political endorsements, districts should identify key messages focused on pre-K benefits and customized based on family interest and motivation. 
• Strengthen Your Educational Framework: Develop a clear, compelling instructional framework to measure and monitor quality; support and engage families around early learning importance and strategies.
• Build Community and Campus Partnerships: Engage with a city-wide coalition and explore partnerships that enhance “brand” quality, and expose your district to more families in your geography.
• Consider Transportation Modifications: Districts should conduct parent research to dig deeper into specific logistical barriers. Consider significant, but worthwhile investments, such as specialty buses in key areas.

Courtney: Thanks for sharing your key insights, Kentasha! 

At Good Reason Houston, we are uniquely situated to support pre-K enrollment in our region, with years of experience in partnering with districts to make early childhood a priority. We have successfully supported districts to target their outreach, tailor their marketing, and adjust their scheduling and capacity to increase and strengthen their pre-K programming.