Public pre-K improves children's grades through high school

What the research found

Studies that followed children into primary school mostly found benefits. A 2020 Baltimore study followed children to third grade. Those who had no pre-K or other early education were least likely to be reading at grade level. A 2015 study found pre-K attendees did better than matched peers at fifth grade. Both studies were observational, so they can't prove pre-K caused the difference.

Evidence from high school age is sparse. A randomised trial of an add-on program in Head Start centres in inner-city Chicago followed children into adolescence, 10 to 11 years later. It found positive effects on grades. The authors said the results were somewhat imprecise and depended on how the data were analysed. This was an enhanced program, not standard public pre-K.

A 2021 review of a large trial of a pre-K curriculum noted that long-term results from pre-K programs have not been as strong as the immediate ones. The 2015 study also found children who skipped early education did better than Head Start children at fifth grade. Results seem to depend on the program and the children.

What it doesn’t mean

• This doesn't mean pre-K is a waste. It appears to help children start school ready to learn, especially children from disadvantaged backgrounds.
• Most of this research is from the United States, and its programs may differ from those in Australia.
• If you're worried about your child's learning or readiness for school, talk to your GP, child health nurse or your child's teacher.