Charleston, West Virginia — West Virginia increased its preschool enrollment rate by two spots for 4-year-olds.
According to a recent report from the National Institute for Early Education Research (NIEER), the state rose from 6th to 4th in the nation and met 9 of 10 of NIEER's research-based quality benchmark standards.
“West Virginia continues to be a leader in early childhood education, leveraging our most valuable resources to create foundational learning opportunities,” said State Superintendent Michelle L. Blatt. “Early learning has a tremendous impact on the growth and development of our children and the future of our Mountain State.”
The West Virginia Department of Education's (WVDE) Universal Preschool System provides programs for all 4-year-olds and some 3-year-olds at no cost to families in all 55 counties. Universal Preschool Registration is open in all 55 counties.
“Access to preschool provides families and students with an introduction to lifelong learning,” Blatt said.
According to the 2023 State Preschool Yearbook, 67% of 4-year-olds and 7% of 3-year-olds in West Virginia attend state-funded preschool. This year, enrollment has increased to a total of 13,731 students.
Total state spending was $96,556,175, an increase of $4,097,211. An additional $289,520 came from federal COVID-19 relief funds. Spending per child in 2022-2023 will be $7,053, a slight increase from the previous year.
More information about these free programs can be found on WVDE's Universal Pre-K website. For more information on the national report, please visit the NIEER website.
