The number of children enrolled in public or private prekindergarten education programs, expressed as a percentage of all children age 4.
Early emphasis on reading and social skills prepares children to succeed later in their education.
In 2024, 46% of Essex County 4-year olds were enrolled in a pre-kindergarten education program, lower than the state rate of 54%. This is a 2-point decrease from 2023 but a 5 point increase since 2020. Between 2007 and 2024, enrollment in private programs decreased by 50% while enrollment in public programs increased by 33%.
Essex County had a similar participation rate as Middlesex, MA, whose rate was 47%, in 2024. Comparable data were not available for Westchester, NY and Lake, IL.
Enrollment is based on counts made on Oct. 1 of each year.
| Private | Public | |
|---|---|---|
| Essex County, MA | 7% | 39% |
| Middlesex County, MA | 8% | 38% |
| Massachusetts | 8% | 45% |
| Private | Public | |
|---|---|---|
| Essex County, MA | 614 | 3,424 |
| Middlesex County, MA | 1,404 | 6,512 |
| Massachusetts | 5,795 | 32,096 |
| Private | Public | |
|---|---|---|
| Essex County, MA | 14% | 29% |
| Middlesex County, MA | 16% | 30% |
| Massachusetts | 13% | 33% |
| Private | Public | |
|---|---|---|
| Essex County, MA | 1,221 | 2,581 |
| Middlesex County, MA | 2,740 | 5,134 |
| Massachusetts | 9,466 | 24,875 |
