Get Pro
Menu

Pre-K

Early education for children aged about 3 to 4, the year or years before kindergarten; some states offer universal pre-K.

Also called
Pre-kindergarten
Used in
United States
Topic
Phases and year groups

Being checked against official sources. This definition is written in our own words; always check the official guidance for your country.

Classfern Pro: report writer, Ask Fern, forum and jobs – no ads. What's in Pro Join Classfern Pro

Learn how – Glossary: watch the 1-minute video · print (PDF)

Kindergarten United States
The first year of formal schooling in most US elementary schools, for children aged about 5 to 6. Roughly equivalent to Reception (England) in purpose and Year 1 in age.
Head Start United States
A federal programme providing early childhood education, health and family services to low-income children aged 3 to 5; Early Head Start serves under-3s.
Preschool United States All four UK nations (details may differ)
Education for children before they start school, usually ages 3 to 5. In the UK often called nursery.

More terms: Phases and year groups

K-12 · Middle school (US) · Ninth grade · Second grade · Senior · Seventh grade

More terms starting with P · Education glossary A–Z · Get a TIP for your class

Definitions are written by Classfern in our own words for teachers in the UK and the US. They are short explanations, not legal or official definitions: always check the official guidance for your country, nation or state. Classfern is not affiliated with or endorsed by any government department, inspectorate or exam board named here.