Current State

Every child in Mobile deserves a strong start, but too many begin school already behind. Today, only 43% of four-year-olds have access to high-quality pre-K, leaving hundreds of families on waiting lists. The challenges grow as students move through school: just over half of 3rd graders read on grade level, and by 8th grade, fewer than one in five students are proficient in math.

Students are also asking for learning environments where they feel seen and supported. As one student shared:

At the same time, the educators who make student success possible are struggling. Many teachers face burnout, limited support, and high turnover — and when we lose great educators, students lose opportunities to grow and thrive.

Future State

We envision a Mobile where every child begins kindergarten ready to learn, grows up in schools that help them discover their potential, and graduates prepared for the future they choose. In this future, all children have access to a strong start in pre-K, every teacher feels supported and inspired to stay in the classroom, and schools define success not only by academics but also by the confidence, creativity, and sense of belonging students develop along the way.

When we invest in both early learning and the educators who make learning possible, Mobile’s students gain the strong foundation they deserve — and the skilled, committed teachers they need to truly thrive.