CHARLESTON, W.Va. — The state of West Virginia has moved up two positions for preschool enrollment among 4-year-olds.
According to a recent report from the National Institute for Early Education Research (NIEER), the state went from 6th to 4th in the nation and met 9 out of the 10 NIEER research-based quality benchmark standards.
“West Virginia continues to be a leader in early childhood education, creating foundational learning opportunities for our most precious resources,” said State Superintendent of Schools Michele L. Blatt. “Early learning has a vast impact on the growth and development of our children and the future of the Mountain State.”
The West Virginia Department of Education’s (WVDE) Universal Pre-K system provides programs in all 55 counties for all 4-year-olds as well as some 3-year-olds at no cost to families. Universal Pre-K enrollment is open in all 55 counties.
“Access to pre-K education provides families and students an introduction to lifelong learning,” said Blatt.
According to the 2023 State of Preschool Yearbook, West Virginia served 67% of 4-year-olds and 7% of 3-year-olds in state-funded preschool. This year’s total enrollment increased to 13,731 students.
Total state spending was $96,556,175, an increase $4,097,211. An additional $289,520 came from federal COVID-19 relief funds. Per child spending equaled $7,053 in 2022-2023, which is a slight increase from the previous year.
More details about these free programs are listed at WVDE’s Universal Pre-K website. To learn more about the national report, visit the NIEER website.