The Seattle Preschool Program (SPP) has earned its fourth consecutive national Gold Medal for high-quality, accessible preschool programming, continuing Seattle’s leadership in early learning excellence. This marks the eighth year SPP has received national recognition. The award was presented by CityHealth and the National Institute for Early Education Research (NIEER) at Rutgers University for Seattle’s publicly funded preschool system, which includes SPP, and the Early Childhood Education Assistance Program.
Out of 75 cities with preschool programs – 27 including Seattle – were awarded a Gold Medal award this year for meeting CityHealth’s standards for High-Quality, Accessible Pre-K.
“This repeat recognition affirms Seattle as a national leader in preschool quality and access,” said Dr. Dwane Chappelle, Director of the Department of Education and Early Learning. “With plans to grow the Seattle Preschool Program through 2032, Seattle is committed to strengthening preschool, supporting families, and investing in the early learning workforce.”
CityHealth evaluates 10 quality benchmarks established by NIEER, along with measures related to access, local funding, and data collection. When all families can access high-quality pre-K, more children are positioned to succeed as they begin their educational journeys. View the NIEER Pre-K benchmarks at: https://www.cityhealth.org/city/seattle/
“Winning a fourth straight National Gold Medal shows that Seattle’s commitment to high-quality early learning is making a real difference for children and families,” said Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson. “This recognition reinforces our responsibility to expand access to affordable, high-quality child care and preschool. Through the 2025 Families, Education, Preschool, and Promise Levy, we will continue work to close opportunity gaps and help more children start school ready to learn.”
“To be honored for the fourth consecutive year – and for the eighth time overall– is a testament to the outstanding work of our Seattle Preschool Program teachers and to Seattle’s commitment to early learning,” said Councilmember Maritza Rivera, Chair of the Libraries, Education and Neighborhood Committee. “As part of the FEPP Levy renewal process I was able to meet with many of the teachers who provide care for our youngest learners, and I am so impressed with their skill and dedication. As part of the renewed FEPP Levy, these teachers will be able to help even more Seattle kids be Kindergarten-ready.”
The recognition comes from NIEER’s annual national report assessing how the nation’s largest cities are advancing policies that support child health and well-being. Children who attend high-quality preschool are more likely to experience positive academic and life outcomes, including higher graduation rates, improved health, and increased college attendance. Between 2018 and 2021, Seattle earned silver medals and was the first city in the country to meet NIEER’s quality benchmarks. In 2022, Seattle achieved its first Gold Medal following key program enhancements, including the launch of SPP Plus classrooms operated by Seattle Public Schools. These classrooms provide specialized, inclusive programming that allows preschoolers with Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) to learn alongside typically developing peers. Seattle also met the study’s access goal by enrolling 30% of four-year-olds in public preschool and has continued to receive gold recognition through 2025.
SPP is supported by the voter-approved Families, Education, Preschool and Promise Levy, which advances Seattle’s strategy to eliminate race-based opportunity gaps in educational outcomes. The 2025 FEPP Levy will fund high-quality, affordable preschool for 3,100 three- and four-year-olds annually by 2032. In the 2025-26 school year, 70% of SPP children receive free tuition, and 75% of enrolled children were from communities of color.
Enroll your 3- or 4-year-old in SPP! Enrollment for the current school year is still available. Applications for the 2026-2027 school year open on March 16, 2026! Apply at seattle.gov/applySPP or call 206-386-1050. Language assistance is available.
What people are saying
“Seattle is a national leader in developing a local high-quality pre-K program with research-based standards that support children’s learning and development,” said GG Weisenfeld, Associate Director of Technical Assistance at NIEER. “Studies find that children who attend pre-K with policies that support quality are more prepared for kindergarten and future school success.”
“High-quality, accessible pre-K is one of the smartest, most lasting investments a city can make, and Seattle continues to lead by pairing quality with real access for families,” said Katrina Forrest, JD, executive director of CityHealth. “The Seattle Preschool Program helps more children start school ready to thrive, giving every child a strong start for a healthier future.”
“The Seattle Preschool Program’s success is built on the people who deliver high-quality early learning every day,” said Leilani Dela Cruz, DEEL’s Director of Programs. “The renewed FEPP Levy ensures long-term investment in educators, families, and the systems that support young children.”
Seattle Department of Education and Early Learning’s mission is to transform the lives of Seattle children, youth, and families through strategic investments in education www.seattle.gov/education.
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