The prekindergarten program in the Fort Worth Independent School District (FWISD) is described. The program was developed to meet the needs of disadvantaged four year old children. Students were chosen with respect to age, residence in a Chapter I attendance area, and a low score on the Preschool Screening Evaluation (PSE). Areas of learning included visual, auditory, motor, and language skills. The structure of classes with preschool teachers and teacher aides is also described. The PSE was used as a pretest and posttest to measure achievement of program objectives. Sustained effect studies indicated students with prekindergarten experience scored higher than comparable students on kindergarten and grade one Iowa Tests of Basic Skills. The prekindergarten program was judged to have consistently demonstrated outstanding achievement of its objectives. Positive academic effects of the FWISD prekindergarten program were sustained at least through grade one. It is recommended that continued expansion of the program should use one of the approved differentiated staffing patterns. (DWH)