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Scranton

Scranton School District Reported Academic Progress

Superintendent Erin Keating outlined major literacy and preschool improvements made over the past 2.5 years.

Updated on Oct. 9, 2026 in Administration

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Scranton School District reported significant academic gains, with Superintendent Erin Keating highlighting a new literacy curriculum and expanded early childhood programs. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Scranton School District Superintendent Erin Keating recently detailed significant academic and operational improvements achieved during her 2.5-year tenure. The presentation highlighted major initiatives including a new literacy curriculum and an expanded preschool program.

Why it matters

The district has focused on mental health support and early childhood education to remove barriers to student learning. These systemic changes have recently earned the district recognition as a proof point by the Pennsylvania Literacy Coalition.

The district now operates 4 preschool classrooms across its elementary sites. These facilities currently serve students at Charles Sumner, McNichols Plaza, and John Adams Elementary School.

The players

Erin Keating

She serves as the Superintendent of the Scranton School District.

Pennsylvania Literacy Coalition

This organization monitors and promotes effective reading instruction standards across the state.

Agency for Community Empowerment of NEPA

This agency provides support services and partnered with the district to facilitate preschool programming.

Scranton Federation of Teachers

The labor union represents educators and collaborated on the implementation of the new literacy curriculum.

The details

Superintendent Keating credited the partnership with the Scranton Federation of Teachers for successfully implementing the science of reading curriculum in 2024. Furthermore, the district increased its total count of school counselors and social workers to better address behavioral health concerns.

Timeline

  1. The science of reading program launched in 2024.

  2. A preschool partnership was approved in late 2024.

  3. The Head Start preschool program began in early 2025.

  4. The district was named a proof point in early May 2026.

  5. A new preschool class opens at Neil Armstrong Elementary on Oct. 19, 2026.

Culture Shift

The district's expanded preschool offerings follow the broader state move toward universal early childhood education access. This reflects an industry shift where school systems are prioritizing early intervention to improve long-term student outcomes.

Families in Scranton may now access expanded preschool options for their children at four district locations. These changes potentially reduce out-of-pocket childcare costs for local residents through the new Head Start and Pre-K Counts programs.

The takeaway

Proactive investment in early childhood education and literacy programs can significantly mitigate behavioral and learning challenges. Communities prioritizing these resources early in a student's development see tangible improvements in school climate and accessibility.

What happens next

The district is scheduled to open a new Pre-K Counts preschool classroom at Neil Armstrong Elementary School on Oct. 19, 2026.

Further reading

For more on local governance and school oversight, visit Administration.

Source note: This article includes information reported by Scranton Times-Tribune.

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