Voices of Impact - Best in Class

When he first arrived, a quiet 4-year-old stood at the edge of the playground, unsure what to do. The child was fluent in Chinese, spoke very little English and used cochlear implants to hear. His entire environment was new, including the routines, the playground, the sounds and even the food on his plate. 

For the first few weeks, he mostly watched, carefully studying everything around him. Forty-four days later, that same boy was running on the playground, playing with friends on the merry-go-round, sliding with confidence and speaking a joyful mix of Chinese and English. 

“You can tell when he gets excited because it’s 98% Chinese,” his teacher said, smiling. “And then he jumps really fast to his English, so I know what he’s talking about.” 

Stories like his are why Best in Class exists. The program gives more young children across North Dakota a strong, confident start to learning and life.  

Small steps that add up 

In this classroom, every moment is a chance to learn something new and take a small step toward independence and connection. Children pour their own milk, zip their own coats and help one another when it’s time to clean up. 

Simple routines build confidence. Shared laughter builds community. Teachers say it is in these ordinary moments that children discover how capable they really are. 

“We see them try, fail and then try again,” one teacher said. “It’s not just learning letters and numbers. It’s learning to be brave, to be kind to our friends and to believe they can do anything.” 

Those everyday experiences, like making a friend, asking for help and trying something new, mirror the larger goals of the program. The goal is to help children build independence, resilience and healthy habits while nurturing confidence, curiosity and connection that will last a lifetime. 

“It starts when they’re little,” a teacher said. 

An impact that lasts 

Teachers say kindergarten readiness is much more than knowing letters and numbers. It is learning how to listen, take turns and manage emotions. It is building the confidence to unzip your coat, open your backpack and ask for help when you need it. 

Many children arrive without these skills. For some, kindergarten will be the first time they are away from home. Others are just beginning to learn what it means to be part of a group. Each day in a Best in Class classroom offers a chance to practice sharing, problem solving, making friends and celebrating small victories. 

“We talk about readiness, but it’s not just academic,” one educator said. “It’s social, emotional and practical. It’s learning how to be part of a community.” 

For some children, the sense of community that Best in Class provides has opened the door to life-changing support. Several students have individualized education plans, and one child with significant behavioral needs was referred for help months earlier than he would have been otherwise. 

“We wouldn’t have been able to help him get the support he needs until kindergarten,” a teacher said. “Now we can focus on helping him grow before he ever reaches that point.” 

Moments that might seem small, such as a child learning to say, “stop pulling my hair,” or another mastering how to wait their turn, are celebrated as milestones. 

“Those are social wins,” one teacher explained. “That’s how children learn empathy and boundaries.” 

Everyday routines like unpacking a lunch, trying something new or helping a classmate, foster independence and self-assurance. The more the children do, the more capable they feel. 

“We see them try, fail and try again,” a teacher said. “It’s learning to be brave, to be kind and to believe they can do it.” 

In a classroom full of laughter, curiosity and courage, the future is already taking shape through one brave question, one kind gesture and one confident step at a time.