Department of Public Instruction Superintendent Elizabeth Burmaster says nearly 21,000 students are enrolled in four-year-old kindergarten programs this year at Wisconsin schools, and increase of almost 6,000 students from just five years ago. Burmaster says over 90 school districts have implemented programs, with 24 new ones this year alone. Burmaster says interest continues to grow as well, with up to 50 districts considering their own programs.
But with many districts facing tight financial constraints, it could limit growth of four-year-old kindergarten. Burmaster says that's one challenge they're working to address by trying to obtain incentives for districts and additional state funding in future budgets.