Kentucky’s Pre-K Pilot Program is expanding to Franklin County Schools and Glasgow Independent Schools, Gov. Andy Beshear announced Tuesday. The full-day pilot programs will begin with the 2026-2027 school year and serve as a first step toward providing every Kentucky child access to pre-K.

Program Expansion

Franklin County Schools and Glasgow Independent Schools join Robertson and Rockcastle counties, which were added to the program in May. The program aims to provide high-quality preschool education to nearly 3,000 children across the state.

According to Gov. Beshear, the program will help parents save money, boost the workforce, and support businesses. He stated, ‘Kentucky’s children deserve the very best start, and Pre-K for All will deliver that and more.’

Support and Impact

Both school boards approved joining the program on Monday. Franklin County Schools Superintendent Mark Kopp and Glasgow Independent Schools Superintendent Chad Muhlenkamp joined Beshear for the announcement, along with children from both districts.

Kopp emphasized the importance of high-quality preschool programs, citing decades of research that show children who attend these programs do better and go further. Muhlenkamp noted that fewer than half of Kentucky children currently arrive at kindergarten ready to learn, and that preschool is the single most effective way for every child to get the start they need.

Original reporting: WTVQ (Lexington) — read the source article.