Kindergarten Readiness Varies by Income, Data Shows

New study finds significant disparities in school preparedness among children from different socioeconomic backgrounds.

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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A recent study has found that children's readiness for kindergarten varies significantly based on their family's income level. The data shows that kids from higher-income households are much more likely to have the necessary academic and social-emotional skills to succeed in their first year of formal schooling compared to their lower-income peers.

Why it matters

This research highlights the persistent opportunity gap in education, with children from disadvantaged backgrounds often starting school at a significant disadvantage through no fault of their own. Ensuring all kids have access to quality early childhood education is crucial for promoting equal access to educational opportunities and setting them up for long-term success.

The details

The study, conducted by researchers at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, analyzed data on over 10,000 kindergarten students across the state. They found that 85% of children from families earning more than $100,000 per year were deemed "kindergarten ready," compared to just 55% of kids from households making less than $25,000 annually.

  • The study was published on February 14, 2026.

The players

University of Wisconsin-Madison

A public research university located in Madison, Wisconsin that conducted the study on kindergarten readiness.

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The takeaway

This data underscores the critical need to invest in high-quality, affordable early childhood education programs that can help level the playing field and ensure all children, regardless of their family's income, have the tools they need to thrive in kindergarten and beyond.