What does this measure?
The number of children enrolled in public or private prekindergarten education programs, expressed as a percentage of all children age 4.
Why is this important?
Early emphasis on reading and social skills prepares children to succeed later in their education.
How is our county doing?
In 2024, 46% of Essex County 4-year olds were enrolled in a pre-kindergarten education program, lower than the state rate of 54%. This is a 2-point decrease from 2023 but a 5 point increase since 2020. Between 2007 and 2024, enrollment in private programs decreased by 50% while enrollment in public programs increased by 33%.
How do we compare to similar counties?
Essex County had a similar participation rate as Middlesex, MA, whose rate was 47%, in 2024. Comparable data were not available for Westchester, NY and Lake, IL.
Notes about the data
Enrollment is based on counts made on Oct. 1 of each year.