In 2021, around 7.87 million children were enrolled in nursery or kindergarten programs in the United States. This is an increase from 1970, when about 4.28 million children were enrolled in pre-primary school programs.
Pre-primary school enrollment (kindergarten, nursery) for children aged 3-5 years from 1970 to 2021
(in millions)
Year
Number of children enrolled in millions
2021
7.87
2020
7.24
2019
8.79
2018
8.74
2017
8.64
2016
8.76
2015
8.61
2014
8.76
2013
8.83
2012
8.77
2011
9.16
2010
9.01
2009
8.84
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US Census Bureau. (December 20, 2022). Pre-primary school enrollment (kindergarten, nursery) for children aged 3-5 years from 1970 to 2021 (in millions) [Graph]. In Statista. Retrieved May 12, 2025, from https://www.statista.com/statistics/184275/preprimary-school-enrollment-for-children-aged-3-5-years-since-1970/
US Census Bureau. "Pre-primary school enrollment (kindergarten, nursery) for children aged 3-5 years from 1970 to 2021 (in millions)." Chart. December 20, 2022. Statista. Accessed May 12, 2025. https://www.statista.com/statistics/184275/preprimary-school-enrollment-for-children-aged-3-5-years-since-1970/
US Census Bureau. (2022). Pre-primary school enrollment (kindergarten, nursery) for children aged 3-5 years from 1970 to 2021 (in millions). Statista. Statista Inc.. Accessed: May 12, 2025. https://www.statista.com/statistics/184275/preprimary-school-enrollment-for-children-aged-3-5-years-since-1970/
US Census Bureau. "Pre-primary School Enrollment (Kindergarten, Nursery) for Children Aged 3-5 Years from 1970 to 2021 (in Millions)." Statista, Statista Inc., 20 Dec 2022, https://www.statista.com/statistics/184275/preprimary-school-enrollment-for-children-aged-3-5-years-since-1970/
US Census Bureau, Pre-primary school enrollment (kindergarten, nursery) for children aged 3-5 years from 1970 to 2021 (in millions) Statista, https://www.statista.com/statistics/184275/preprimary-school-enrollment-for-children-aged-3-5-years-since-1970/ (last visited May 12, 2025)
Pre-primary school enrollment (kindergarten, nursery) for children aged 3-5 years from 1970 to 2021 (in millions) [Graph], US Census Bureau, December 20, 2022. [Online]. Available: https://www.statista.com/statistics/184275/preprimary-school-enrollment-for-children-aged-3-5-years-since-1970/
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