Tiger Paw Grant to Pay Tuition for Preschool Families, Again

For the third consecutive year, Ozark’s Tiger Paw Early Childhood Center received a grant allowing families to save money. Valued up to $780,000, the grant will pay tuition for students who will enter kindergarten in the 2027-28 school year.

“We are appreciative of the continued focus our state is giving to early intervention and education,” said Dr. Anna Thurman, executive director of elementary learning. “This grant award allows our families to access the excellent education our Tiger Paw program continues to provide our youngest learners, while relieving a financial burden. I know it is something our families are so grateful for.”

The Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education awarded Tiger Paw the one-year Missouri Quality PreKindergarten — known as MOQPK — grant, which covers tuition for up to 120 4-year-old preschool students, regardless of the family’s income. Tiger Paw also received this grant for the 2024-25 and 2025-26 school years. 

“Receiving this grant for the third consecutive year is a testament to the hard work and commitment of our administrators,” Superintendent Dr. Lori Wilson said. “Their dedication to pursuing opportunities that support our students and families continues to make a meaningful difference, and we’re incredibly grateful for this ongoing investment in our community.” 

Tiger Paw currently offers three preschool classrooms for 3- and 4-year-olds and a total of six preschool classrooms for 4- and 5-year-olds, serving a total of 180 children. In order for a family to qualify for the MOQPK grant, however, the child must be 4 years old by July 31, 2026.   

Tiger Paw is home to Ozark’s youngest learners and houses five different programs. Aside from preschool, Tiger Paw’s programs include Early Childhood Special Education, Parents as Teachers, transitional kindergarten, and district employee childcare. Learn more about Tiger Paw and all it has to offer at tigerpaw.ozarktigers.org.