prekindergarten

American  

[pree-kin-der-gahr-tuhn, -duhn] / ˌpriˈkɪn dərˌgɑr tən, -dən /

noun

1. a school program preparing three- and four-year-olds for kindergarten; a class of children in such a program.

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adjective

1. of, relating to, or enrolled in a school program preparing three- and four-year-olds for kindergarten.

Example Sentences

New York state lost enrollment last school year, even as New York City, which already has universal prekindergarten, is charging ahead with a plan to make all child care free for younger children.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 22, 2026

Over time, this will mean less demand for child care and fewer pupils in prekindergarten through elementary school.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 2, 2025

As the child nutrition director for the Haleyville City School District, she has the job of feeding 1,600 students, in prekindergarten through 12th grade.

From New York Times • Apr. 25, 2024

Because the city outperformed revenue expectations this fiscal year, the mid-year education cuts – which will hurt universal prekindergarten and after-school programs, as well as special needs students – are illegal, the suit alleges.

From Seattle Times • Dec. 21, 2023

In the afternoon, after the girl comes home from prekindergarten class, they thumb through picture books and play.

From "Enrique's Journey" by Sonia Nazario