In the bustling halls of Harpeth Valley Elementary School, Logan Kelton stands out for his unique role as a "blended" pre-kindergarten teacher. With 13 years in the district and seven years specifically in blended pre-K, Kelton has become a star of early childhood education, advocating for the importance of pre-K in shaping young minds.
Blended pre-K, as Kelton explains, means "access for all." His classroom is a vibrant mix of children with and without disabilities, learning and growing together.
"I have 16 general education students who are like typically developing peers, and I have four students with IEPs (Individualized Education Programs) who are all in the room together all day just playing, learning, and growing together,” he says. “I love blended. I have done this several years now, and it's just so awesome."
Kelton's journey to becoming a pre-K teacher is rooted in his early childhood education background. He has taught kindergarten, first grade, fourth grade, and special education intervention. This variety of experience has equipped him with a unique skill set, perfectly suited for the blended pre-K environment.
Reflecting on his career, Kelton feels his time in blended pre-K has been the most rewarding.
"I feel like my experiences in blended pre-K are where I have been the most successful, where I have seen the most student growth, where I've seen the most family support," he says.
Language Skills and Social Growth
The impact of Kelton’s work is clear when families share stories of their children's progress, such as naming all their letters and sounds at home, skills they hadn't worked on outside of school.
Kelton also finds the social growth of his students incredibly fulfilling. Many of his students had never been to school or day care before, making the transition to pre-K challenging. Seeing their growth throughout the year is a source of pride.
Kelton's path to teaching began in eighth grade. Despite being a typical middle school student who tested the patience of his parents and teachers, he found his passion for education thanks to supportive teachers who helped him rediscover his love for learning. This journey led him to graduate from MNPS Middle College High School, now Early College High School, where he dual-enrolled in college courses and interned as a kindergarten teacher.
As one of just six male pre-K teachers in the district, Kelton has had a lasting impact. Parents often express their appreciation for the male role model he provides in their children's lives.
"They request I keep their kid in line and don't let them get away with anything. It’s nice to have a parent's request and support in discipline," he says.
Kelton firmly believes in the importance of pre-K education. He acknowledges the stigma around what is developmentally appropriate for young children and the rigorous curriculum that starts in kindergarten.
"Pre-K is still about making learning fun,” he explains. “I love the balanced creative curriculum. It's a play-based curriculum, but it also gives me the opportunity to integrate academics."
By incorporating writing, early literacy, and math experiences, Kelton ensures his students have the building blocks they need to succeed in kindergarten and beyond. His dedication, passion, and innovative approach to blended pre-K make a significant difference in the lives of his students, setting them on a path to lifelong learning and success.
About MNPS Pre-K
MNPS has 180 pre-K classrooms across Davidson County. Programs are located at elementary, Montessori, and Early Learning Center sites.
Percy Priest Elementary will open two pre-K classrooms in its new facility for the 2025-26 school year.
Our pre-K classrooms are able to meet the academic and social-emotional needs of all learners through various programming available throughout the district.
For more information, visit the MNPS Pre-K webpage.
Application is Open for 2025-2026
The 2025-2026 MNPS pre-K application is now open. The priority application deadline is March 31. Families can also continue to apply for the 2024-25 pre-K program and will be placed as vacancies occur.