Goshen Community Schools

GOSHEN, IN – Goshen Community Schools (GCS) has received a $185,456 Community Investment Grant
from the Community Foundation of Elkhart County to support a new initiative aimed at enhancing early
childhood education across the district.

The program, titled Enhancing Early Learning through SOI/IPP, focuses on developing the cognitive, sensory,
and perceptual skills that students need to thrive academically. Beginning in Pre-K and continuing through 4th
grade, the program offers individualized assessments, targeted small-group instruction, and daily structured
learning experiences for preschoolers. Through this initiative, GCS expects to serve between 600 and 700
students annually.

“This investment allows us to better serve our youngest learners, especially those who enter school without
the foundational skills they need to succeed,” said Superintendent Jim DuBois. “We are committed to
developing every child’s learning ability, not just accommodating their challenges.”

The need is clear. In 2024, 73 percent of incoming kindergarteners were not considered school-ready. By third
grade, only 30 percent were proficient in English/Language Arts, with behavioral challenges further impacting
learning time. The SOI/IPP model directly addresses these gaps by developing the abilities students need to
focus, process information, and engage meaningfully with classroom content.

This initiative reflects GCS’s commitment to supporting the whole child. The district serves a diverse
population, with nearly 57 percent of students identifying as Hispanic/Latino and 66 percent qualifying for free
or reduced-price lunch. The program is designed to be equitable, inclusive, and aligned with the district’s
2025–2026 Strategic Plan.

In addition to classroom implementation, GCS will provide training for educators and engagement
opportunities for families, creating a supportive learning environment that extends beyond school walls. With
this grant as a foundational investment, the district hopes to become a model site for early learning and
partner with other providers to expand kindergarten readiness across the community.