WILLIAMSBURG — Williamsburg-James City County Schools hosted a groundbreaking for its new Bright Beginnings Pre-K Center on Sept. 24, marking what it called a milestone for the community’s youngest learners.
WJCC Schools said that since it began offering pre-k services nearly 50 years ago, the Bright Beginnings program has grown to serve about 350 children across five elementary schools, with more than half of the students eligible for special education services.
“This marks an important milestone in this community and the students of this community. We’re not just breaking ground on two buildings, we are laying the foundation for brighter futures of our youngest learners,” said WJCC Schools Superintendent Daniel Keever.
The Bright Beginnings South Campus will be located near Clara Byrd Baker Elementary School, while the Bright Beginnings North Campus will be located near Norge Elementary School. Both campuses are expected to open in fall 2027. The division added the move will consolidate pre-K students at two sites instead of five.
“For years, our pre-school program has been spread across several elementary schools. Each site has done incredible work, but now with the north and south campuses, we’ll have a space designed just for pre-schoolers. These buildings are built with their needs, their growth, and their joy in mind,” said Deanna Nelson, the Principal for Bright Beginnings.
The division said that with the construction of the two new facilities, WJCC Schools will be able to expand access to high-quality early learning to up to 500 students beginning in fall 2027.
