DENTON, TX – In a significant move to support student-parents and local families, Texas Woman’s University (TWU) has partnered with Bezos Academy to establish a tuition-free, Montessori-inspired preschool in Denton. Named Bezos Academy Denton, the school aims to provide high-quality early childhood education to the community.
Located on university-owned land across from TWU’s Denton campus, the preschool is scheduled to break ground in April 2024. The $6 million construction project, partially funded by a $1.5 million contribution from the City of Denton, will feature a new building with outdoor spaces. Bezos Academy Denton is set to accommodate 120 students aged 3 to 5, reserving 20% of its capacity for children from the TWU community and 80% for families in Denton.
The initiative addresses the critical need for affordable childcare, a major concern for student-parents nationwide. More than two-thirds of student-parents in the U.S. live at or near the poverty level, with many facing the challenge of juggling education and childcare costs.
TWU Chancellor Carine Feyten expressed enthusiasm for the project, highlighting its potential to ease childcare burdens and promote lifelong learning. “This partnership is a game-changer,” she remarked, emphasizing the shared mission of TWU and Bezos Academy in increasing educational access.
Mike George, president of Bezos Academy, noted the significant impact of the project on student-parents. “By offering tuition-free, full-day preschools, we aim to support parents in their educational and professional pursuits while providing a strong start for their children,” George said.
Denton Mayor Gerard Hudspeth welcomed the initiative, underscoring its role in addressing local childcare needs and supporting the city’s future generations.
The preschool will also serve as a practical learning site for TWU students pursuing degrees in child development and education. Lisa Huffman, dean of TWU’s College of Professional Education, praised the initiative for its dual role in offering high-quality childcare and equipping future educators with essential skills.
Bezos Academy Denton, located at 1820 Frame Street, will be open to families earning up to 400% of the federal poverty level. The school will implement a lottery-based selection process, with more details to be announced closer to its opening. For more information, visit www.bezosacademy.org.
About Bezos Academy: Bezos Academy, a non-profit organization, operates a network of fully-funded tuition-free preschools across several states, including Washington, Texas, and Florida. Catering to children from low-income families aged 3-5, the academy provides a comprehensive educational experience, including Montessori materials, books, and field trips. As of November 2023, Bezos Academy operates 19 schools with plans for expansion. For more information, please visit www.bezosacademy.org.