JKES Receives Highest Rating for Early Childhood in VA

JKES Receives Highest Rating for Early Childhood Education in Virginia 

Winchester, VA: John Kerr Elementary School (JKES) is one of just 101 sites across Virginia that was recently named to the Excellence Honor Roll for VQB5, Virginia’s statewide early childhood measurement system. JKES earned Exceeds Expectations, the highest possible rating in VQB5, and is the only public preschool in the Blue Ridge region to receive this honor. 

VQB5, which stands for Virginia Quality Birth to Five, measures teacher-child interactions and use of quality curriculum for 3,293 sites across the state and makes that information publicly available at EarlyChildhoodQuality.doe.virginia.gov. 

Considering Virginia uses a rigorous national tool to measure classroom quality, JKES and other sites named to the Excellence Honor Roll may be considered national exemplars. These exemplars include child care, family day home, Head Start, and public school sites.

“With its focus on teacher-child interactions, VQB5 sets high expectations for care and instruction for our littlest learners and then ensures that educators across more than 11,000 classrooms receive individualized feedback multiple times a year,” said Jenna Conway, Chief of Early Learning and Specialized Populations at the Virginia Department of Education. 

The three additional WPS preschool programs also have cause to celebrate. Frederick Douglass Elementary School, Garland R. Quarles Elementary School, and Virginia Avenue Charlotte DeHart Elementary School all earned a Meets Expectations rating, indicating a commitment to quality teacher-child interactions and curriculum. 

Ms. Patty Black, Coordinator of Early Childhood Education, has seen excellence across WPS preschool programs since she joined the division earlier this year: 

“This recognition reflects the incredible dedication of our preschool teachers and staff. At John Kerr Elementary and across all of our WPS preschool programs, we focus on nurturing relationships, building foundational skills, and creating joyful, engaging classrooms where every child can thrive. To see that work reflected in Virginia’s highest rating is an honor and a testament to our educators’ daily commitment to excellence.”

To learn more about WPS preschool programs visit https://www.wps.k12.va.us/departments/preschool/overview 

To explore VDOE early childhood site ratings and honor rolls, visit EarlyChildhoodQuality.doe.virginia.gov