Alabama Leads Nation In Pre-K Quality Again

Alabama is still setting the bar when it comes to early childhood education.

Governor Kay Ivey and the Alabama Department of Early Childhood Education announced that the state’s First Class Pre-K program has once again earned national recognition, marking 20 straight years of meeting every quality benchmark set by the National Institute for Early Education Research.

That’s not just impressive, it’s history. Alabama is the only state in the country to hit that mark for two decades in a row.

“This 20-year milestone is more than a recognition. It is a legacy,” Ivey said, according to the press release. “Our state has set the standard for high-quality pre-k, and that success reflects the dedication of our educators, families and leaders.”

The annual State of Preschool Yearbook looks at programs across the country, measuring things like funding, enrollment, and overall quality. Alabama continues to check every box.

And it’s not just about maintaining standards, the program has grown in a big way. Over the past decade, enrollment has jumped from fewer than 8,000 children to more than 24,000, now reaching families in all 67 counties.

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State leaders say that growth hasn’t come at the expense of quality, which is something not many states can claim.

“This recognition reflects 20 years of commitment,” ADECE Secretary Ami Brooks said, according to the press release.

Research shows students in the program continue to perform better long-term, both academically and developmentally.

If you’re a parent looking ahead, registration for the 2026-27 school year is open now.