How many children attend preschool?
Preschool enrollment has returned to near pre-pandemic levels, with almost half of three- and four-year-olds in school.
Nearly half of all three- and four-year-old kids went to preschool in 2023, according to data from the National Center for Education Statistics.
Of 7.6 million three- and four-year olds, approximately 3.7 million — 48.8% — were enrolled in part- or full-day preschool and kindergarten programs. Around 28.6% of enrolled children were in public school programs, while 20.3% were enrolled privately.
By age five, 85.4% of kids were in school.
Preschool enrollment dipped during the COVID-19 pandemic: After a steady rise through the 2010s, it fell from 49.2% in 2019 to 40.2% in 2021. By 2023, the rate was again close to its 2019 peak.
Preschool enrollment has returned to near pre-pandemic levels.
Percentage of 3- and 4-year-olds enrolled in preschool or kindergarten, 2013–2023
One relevant factor for many families considering preschool is the parent/caregiver’s work situation. In two-parent families, 57.1% of kids aged three and four went to preschool when both parents were employed; 44.5% went when only one adult worked, and 40.2% did when neither parent had a job.
In single-parent families, 45.2% of kids being cared for by an employed parent went to preschool, compared to 38.1% of kids of an unemployed parent.
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What states have the highest preschool enrollment?
Regional data is available as of 2022 for three- to five-year-olds. The five states with the highest school enrollment were in the Northeast: Connecticut, New Jersey, Vermont, New York, and Massachusetts. Outside the Northeast, Louisiana had the highest rate.
In four states — North Dakota, Arizona, West Virginia, and Montana — less than half of three- to –five-year-olds attended in school in 2022.
The northeastern US has the highest enrollment among 3- to 5-year-olds.
Percent of children ages 3 to 5 years enrolled in school, 2022
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- How has COVID-19 impacted Gen Z’s education? - School enrollment of Gen Z students decreased across all age groups from 2019 to 2022.
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Page sources
National Center for Education Statistics
Percentage of 3- to 5-year-old children enrolled in school, by age and selected child and family characteristics: Selected years, 2013 through 2023
National Center for Education Statistics
Percentage of 3- to 5-year-old children enrolled in school, by race/ethnicity and state or jurisdiction: 2022
