Skip to main content

Universal Prekindergarten: Funding

Prekindergarten education is publicly funded by resident school districts. The cost of prekindergarten is part of a school district's budget as approved by district voters.

  • If a parent chooses to enroll their prekindergarten child in the prequalified program operated by the school distict where they live, the cost of the program is paid from the voter-approved district budget.
  • If a parent choose to enroll their prekindergarten child in a prequalified public or private program other than a program operated by school district where they live, the law sets a specific amount that district will pay for the first 10 hours of prekindergarten education. This tuition is paid from the voter-approved district budget. 

The tuition rate is adjusted each year by the New England Economic Project cumulative price index. Districts paying tuition for prekindergarten education to a prequalified prekindergarten education program (private or public) shall pay at the statewide rate for 10 hours per week for 35 weeks annually. 

  • The statewide 2024/2025 school year Prekindergarten Tuition Rate is $3,884.00.

  • The statewide 2023/2024 school year Prekindergarten Tuition Rate is $3,764.00.

  • The statewide 2022/2023 school year Prekindergarten Tuition Rate is $3,656.00.

  • The statewide 2021/2022 school year Prekindergarten Tuition Rate is $3,536.00.

  • The statewide 2020/2021 school year Prekindergarten Tuition Rate is $3,445.00.

  • The statewide 2019/20 school year Prekindergarten Tuition Rate is $3,356.00.

  • The statewide 2018/19 school year Prekindergarten Tuition Rate is $3,267.00.

  • The statewide 2017/18 school year Prekindergarten Tuition Rate is $3,178.00.

  • The statewide 2016/17 school year Prekindergarten Tuition Rate is $3,092.00.

  • The statewide 2015/16 school year Prekindergarten Tuition Rate is $3,000.00.

Determination of the Statewide Rate for Pre-K Tuition