For many children, the first day of kindergarten is an exciting milestone filled with new faces, new routines, and new experiences. Thanks to the extraordinary generosity of the Nelson family, Bay District Schools is creating a new opportunity to help its youngest learners take that important step with confidence.
At the October 27 School Board meeting, BDS announced a $500,000 contribution from the Marion G. and Barbara W. Nelson Private Foundation to establish the district's new Kindergarten Preparatory Academy, a free, eight-week summer learning program scheduled to launch in 2027.
The Academy will initially serve up to 180 incoming kindergarten students at six school sites across Bay County, with a goal of ensuring more children enter kindergarten with the academic, social, and emotional skills they need to succeed.
The program is designed to meet children where they are in their educational journey. For students who have already attended Voluntary Prekindergarten (VPK) or another preschool program, the Academy will reinforce important skills and help prevent summer learning loss, often referred to as the "summer slide." For children who have never attended preschool, it will provide an introduction to classroom routines, early literacy and math concepts, and the social experiences that help make the transition to kindergarten successful.
"This is about making sure every child has the opportunity to walk into kindergarten ready to learn," said Superintendent Mark McQueen. "The Nelson family has been an extraordinary partner to Bay District Schools for many years, and their generosity continues to open doors for our students. This investment will make a meaningful difference for children and families across our community."
Building on a Strong Foundation
The new Academy represents another step in BDS's ongoing commitment to early childhood education, an area receiving increasing attention at both the state and national levels. Research continues to reinforce the importance of early learning in building the foundation for academic achievement, stronger communities, and a skilled future workforce.
BDS has already made significant investments in expanding VPK access, strengthening curriculum and instructional resources, and providing additional professional development for early childhood educators. With VPK now available at 20 public school sites, enrollment reached an all-time high of 633 students at the beginning of the 2026–2027 school year.
The Kindergarten Preparatory Academy will build on those efforts by extending learning opportunities into the summer months.
Students will participate in engaging, hands-on activities focused on early literacy, math, STEM, social development, and independence. The program will also introduce important everyday school experiences, from following classroom routines and working with classmates to navigating the cafeteria and learning school bus safety.
Recognizing the needs of working families, the Academy will operate Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., with complimentary Bay Base after-school care available until 5:30 p.m.
The initial program will accommodate 180 students across six proposed locations: Breakfast Point Academy, A. Gary Walsingham Academy, Northside Elementary, Deer Point Elementary, Hiland Park Elementary, and Tyndall Academy.
A Legacy of Giving, A Future of Opportunity
The Nelson family's latest contribution continues a remarkable legacy of supporting public education in Bay County.
Their generosity has helped transform educational opportunities for generations of students, including significant investments in the Barbara W. Nelson Fine Arts Center at Bay High School and the Gretchen Nelson Scott Fine Arts Center at Mosley High School. Together, the family's contributions to these two facilities totaled more than $6 million.
Now, that legacy of giving is extending to some of the district's very youngest students.
The $500,000 gift will provide initial funding for the Academy's pilot year, allowing BDS to establish the program, evaluate its effectiveness, and explore opportunities to expand access to additional students in the future.
While the Academy's first students won't enter its classrooms until summer 2027, the impact of this investment has the potential to extend far beyond those eight weeks.
By helping children develop confidence, build foundational skills, and experience the excitement of learning before kindergarten begins, Bay District Schools and the Nelson family are investing in something that will benefit students, families, and the Bay County community for years to come.
Additional information about enrollment, eligibility, and registration for the summer 2027 Kindergarten Preparatory Academy will be shared with families in the coming months.