While kindergarten is meant to be a gentle, low-stress introduction to formal schooling, it’s a critically important milestone for little learners, who are developing at an astounding pace.

Millions of children will grab lunchboxes, backpacks and rolling bags and head to their first day of kindergarten this year. Some will go for a half day and some for a full. Some will attend private ...

In the not-too-distant past, the kindergarten classrooms at Pleasant Grove Elementary in Heflin, Ala., looked much the same as classrooms for older children. Desks were arranged in rows. Children ...

Children living in poverty will be able to attend a free preschool program to jump-start their academic potential and narrow the learning gap between poor and more well-off students. “In our community ...