Alabama’s First Class Pre-K program again ranked among the nation’s top for quality, marking its 20th consecutive year of meeting all 10 of the National Institute for Early Education Research’s benchmarks.
The annual NIEER preschool report, released Wednesday (April 22), found Alabama enrolled 24,238 children in First Class Pre-K during the 2024–25 school year, serving about 40% of the state’s 4-year-olds. That placed Alabama 18th nationally in access for that age group.
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The report gives Alabama officials a familiar point of pride: the state continues to lead the nation in pre-K quality.
Still, the report noted that most of Alabama’s 4-year-olds do not have access to the state’s First Class Pre-K program.
20-year milestone
Gov. Kay Ivey, announcing the results alongside the Alabama Department of Early Childhood Education, said the milestone reflects the state’s long-term investment in early childhood education.
“This 20-year milestone is more than a recognition. It is a legacy,” Ivey said in a statement. “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.”
Research on Alabama’s program has found that children who attend First Class Pre-K show stronger academic and developmental outcomes that can continue through their school years, underscoring the long-term value of high-quality early learning.
State spending for the 2024–25 school year totaled $185 million, or $7,651 per child. That total is up $530,000, adjusted for inflation, since last year.
Alabama was one of six states to meet all 10 of NIEER’s quality benchmarks this year, joining Georgia, Hawaii, Michigan, Mississippi and Rhode Island. It remains the longest-running state to maintain that perfect record, according to the report.
ADECE Secretary Ami Brooks said the recognition reflects “20 years of commitment and collaboration” across the state, from classroom teachers to state leaders. “We’ve stayed focused on what matters most, ensuring every child has a strong foundation,” she added.
Registration for the 2026–27 school year is now open.
EDITOR’S NOTE — This story was written by Trisha Powell Crain and originally published by Alabama Daily News.
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