A new national report released Wednesday highlights Alabama as one of only six states in the country to meet 10 of 10 research-based quality benchmarks for preschool programs—an achievement that underscores the state’s commitment to effective early childhood education.
Alabama served 40 percent of 4-year-olds in state-funded pre-K during the 2024-2025 school year and continued to expand access to high-quality early learning statewide. The state ranked 18th nationally in preschool access for 4-year-olds.
The National Institute for Early Education Research‘s 2025 State of Preschool Yearbook presents a snapshot of preschool education in America. Currently, 44 states and the District of Columbia fund preschool programs. Most state pre-K programs continue to primarily or exclusively serve 4-year-olds. Nationally, enrollment reached 37 percent of 4-year-olds but only 9 percent of 3-year-olds.
Additional Alabama findings for the 2024-2025 school year:
- Alabama preschool enrolled 24,238 children, a slight decrease of 402 from the previous year.
- State spending totaled $185,448,382, up $528,976, or 0.3 percent, from last year, adjusted for inflation.
- State spending per child was $7,651 in 2024-2025, up $146 from 2023-2024, adjusted for inflation.
- Alabama met 10 of 10 quality standards benchmarks.
“This 20-year milestone is more than a recognition. It is a legacy,” Governor Kay Ivey said. “Throughout my time in office, I have made it a priority to invest in education at every level, and I am especially proud of Alabama’s leadership in early childhood. For two decades, our state has set the standard for high-quality pre-K, and that success reflects the dedication of our educators, families and leaders who believe in giving every child a strong start.”
Alabama continues to stand out as one of only a handful of states to meet all 10 benchmarks, reflecting a sustained, long-term investment in quality.
“This recognition reflects 20 years of commitment and collaboration from so many across Alabama. From educators in the classroom to leaders at the Capitol, we’ve stayed focused on what matters most: ensuring every child has a strong foundation,” Alabama Department of Early Childhood Education Secretary Ami Brooks said. “I’m incredibly proud of how far we’ve come, and even more excited about where we’re headed.”
Nationally, state support for preschool education hit record highs in enrollment and funding in 2024-2025. The pace of growth slowed, however, compared with the previous year, and many states continue to lag behind pre-pandemic enrollment levels.
Only five other states joined Alabama in meeting all 10 of NIEER’s research-based benchmarks for quality in this year’s report: Georgia, Hawaii, Michigan, Mississippi and Rhode Island. Of those states, only Georgia serves more than half of its 4-year-olds. NIEER’s benchmarks measure essential preschool quality indicators, including teacher qualifications, class size, early learning standards and curriculum support.
States spent nearly $14.4 billion on preschool in 2024-2025. Twenty-eight states increased their investments in preschool from the previous year, for a total increase of $434 million, or 3 percent, adjusted for inflation. Including federal and local dollars, total spending was nearly $17.7 billion. Three states each spent more than $1 billion last year: California, at $4.1 billion; New Jersey, at $1.2 billion; and New York, at $1 billion. Together, those three states accounted for 45 percent of all state preschool spending. Texas added nearly another $1 billion.
“Alabama Pre-K hits a milestone this year by meeting 10 of 10 of NIEER’s research-based quality standards for 20 consecutive years, the longest-running state to do so,” NIEER Director Steve Barnett said. “However, the majority of Alabama’s 4-year-olds still do not have the opportunity to attend Alabama’s First Class Pre-K program. When states invest in quality preschool programs that can produce strong outcomes, they invest in a better future for children and taxpayers.”
