Cedar Ridge Primary Pre-K Named First Public School Program in Missouri to Earn “Exhibiting High Quality” Designation

BRANSON, MO (November 11, 2025) – Branson Public Schools’ Cedar Ridge Primary Pre-K has made Missouri history as the first public school early childhood program in the state to earn the “Exhibiting High Quality” designation through the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education’s (DESE) Quality Assurance Report (QAR).

A celebration ceremony was held on November 10 at Cedar Ridge Primary, where representatives from DESE and the QAR team presented the award to Dr. Staci Ray, Director of Early Childhood for Branson Public Schools. The event also featured remarks from Superintendent Dr. Nate Moore and DESE Assistant Commissioner Deidre Anderson-Barbee.

“The Office of Childhood created the Quality Assurance Report as a tool for transparency, accountability, and celebration - to shine a light on programs that demonstrate the very best of what early childhood education can be,” said Anderson-Barbee during the presentation. She commended Branson Public Schools for “leading the way” and added, “Achieving this designation requires rigorous reflection, intentional practice, and a deep belief that quality is not a one-time goal - it’s a way of doing the work, every single day.”

Dr. Staci Ray shared that the recognition represents the dedication and collaboration of the entire Cedar Ridge Primary Pre-K community. She noted that this honor reflects the “passion and unwavering commitment of our teachers, staff, and families who work every day to create a nurturing, high-quality learning environment for our youngest learners.”

“This designation is more than a label - it’s a reflection of our shared belief in excellence, growth, and continuous improvement,” Dr. Ray said. “It means our children are learning,
growing, and thriving in a program that meets the highest standards of early childhood education. Thank you to our incredible team of teachers and paraprofessionals who build a successful foundation every day. Together, we’re shaping bright futures - one child, one classroom, one joyful day at a time.”

Superintendent Dr. Nate Moore also celebrated the milestone, emphasizing how the recognition affirms the district’s vision for early learning and its commitment to giving every child a strong start.
The DESE Quality Assurance Report is part of the Office of Childhood’s statewide initiative to recognize programs that exemplify high standards of care, education, and continuous improvement. The “Exhibiting High Quality” designation is the highest level of recognition, reflecting excellence across multiple areas including curriculum, family engagement, teacher support, and child outcomes.

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Media Contact:
Tori Palumbo
Director of Communications
Branson Public Schools
(417) 334-6541 ext. 9009
palumbot@branson.k12.mo.us