Maryland has been ranked the best state in the nation for early education systems, according to a report released by WalletHub.
While not compulsory, like kindergarten is, quality pre-K education is considered critical for preparing children for future learning.
According to the National Education Association (NEA), children enrolled in early childhood education programs are more likely to have higher graduation rates and earning potentials than those not enrolled. They are also less likely to be involved in future crime.
Only 11 states offer universal pre-K programs, despite the educational, societal, and economic benefits. One estimate shows that for every dollar invested in early education programs for disadvantaged families, $7.30 may be generated in economic benefits.
The WalletHub study used 12 key metrics to evaluate the 50 states and the District of Columbia to determine its rankings. These include share of school districts that offer a state pre-K program, number of pre-K quality benchmarks met and total reported spending per child enrolled in pre-K.
Dr. Tovah Klein, a psychology professor at Barnard College and director of Barnard Toddler Center believes educational spending has a direct correlation to positive educational outcomes, if the funding is spent wisely.
“It is critical that funds are spent on aspects that improve quality, such as increasing teacher salaries, supporting teacher growth and professional development, lowering class sizes and student-to-teacher ratios, and improving educational opportunities, school resources, and services available to students,” Klein said in a statement. “An enriched school environment is better for children, and that includes having excellent teachers. This is especially true for children from lower-income households.”
One of the factors propelling Maryland to the top spot in the rankings is recent increases in preschool enrollment for three-year-olds. The state had the 15th-highest increase in enrollment between the 2001-2002 and 2023-2024 school years at 5%. It has the 14th-highest enrollment overall for three-year-olds.
Maryland also stands out for safety. There is a statewide school safety plan, and regular audits are required to make sure those plans are followed.
The state doesn’t skimp on spending when it comes to its preschoolers’ education, either. Maryland has the fourth-highest spending per child enrolled in preschool, at $17,262 per year. Other metrics considered in the WalletHub study included presence of waiting lists for childcare assistance, if pre-K quality benchmarks are met, total state Head Start Program spending per child enrolled in preschool, and more.
Last week, WJZ TV (CBS News Baltimore) reported that a $12.6 million federal grant will help expand Howard County’s Head Start program. The grant will run for five years, and will help provide infants, toddlers, and two-year-olds with year-round, full-day classes for the 2025-2026 school year.
