Youth And Education
Using the charts: Items in the legend below the chart can be clicked on and off to aid in analysis.
The chart can also be printed or exported as an image or document using the menu at the top right of the chart.
Visit Using the Site for more information.
Source: Massachusetts Department of Elementary & Secondary Education
What does this measure?
The number of children enrolled in public or private prekindergarten education programs, expressed as a percentage of all children age four.
Why is this important?
Early emphasis on reading and social skills prepares children to succeed later in their education.
How is our county performing?
In 2022, 50% of Worcester County four-year-olds were enrolled in a pre-kindergarten education program, on par with the state rate. This is a 13-point increase from 2021 but still well below pre-pandemic levels which hovered around 60-65% between 2010 and 2019. Between 2021 and 2022, enrollment in private programs increased two percentage points while enrollment in public programs increased 11 points.
Notes about the data
Enrollment is based on counts made on Oct. 1 of each year.
Prekindergarten Participation, 2022
| Private | Public | |
|---|---|---|
| Worcester County | 8% | 42% |
| Massachusetts | 10% | 40% |
Source: Massachusetts Department of Elementary & Secondary Education
Number of Children Enrolled in Prekindergarten, 2022
| Private | Public | |
|---|---|---|
| Worcester County | 705 | 3,824 |
| Massachusetts | 7,353 | 27,714 |
Source: Massachusetts Department of Elementary & Secondary Education
Loading...