• High-Quality- In 1998, Tennessee launched an early childhood education pilot program for at-risk 4-year-olds. Based on high quality standards set out by the State Board of Education. Because of its rigorous standards, Tennessee ’s pilot is widely recognized as high quality pre-kprogram that requires every classroom to have:
  • Licensed teachers, with pre-k endorsement;
  • Low teacher-student ratios (1 teacher for every 10 students);
  • Small class sizes (maximum of 20 students);
  • Age-appropriate curriculum.

• Proven Success - Research shows that the first graduates of Tennessee ’s pre-k pilot program are already benefiting from their experience. Children who completed the pilot scored better than the state average on their first achievement tests in all areas – including reading, math and science.

• Access- With classrooms in a variety of settings, including local schools, not-for profit child care centers and Head Start programs, the pilot now serves about 2,500 children in 148 classrooms across Tennessee .

Learn about Glenn Enhanced Option School, one of Tennessee's first Pre-K Pilot Programs.