Texas ranks 11th nationally in access to early childhood education for 4-year-olds and 15th for 3-year-olds, with 52% of 4-year-olds and 11% of 3-year-olds enrolled in some form of early education.
Despite this high enrollment, the state ranks 32nd in per-pupil spending and 35th in overall pre-K resources, according to a 2024 report by the National Institute for Early Education Research. The disparity is partly due to Texas mandating public pre-K programs only for eligible 4-year-olds, with no requirement for 3-year-olds.
This approach reflects a broader trend where states prioritize programs for 4-year-olds, as they are less costly and more politically feasible. In the 2023-24 school year, approximately 248,371 children were enrolled in preschool in Texas, out of nearly two million children under the age of five.
While Texas has made strides in expanding access to early education, the low investment per student raises concerns about the quality and effectiveness of these programs.
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Report shows Texas has good access to early education, but ranks 32nd in spending per pupil