The Utah State Board of Education (USBE) is excited to report that there were an additional 707 kindergarten classrooms during the 2023-2024 school year. This increase follows the passage of H.B. 477 during the 2023 legislative session. H.B. 477 opened up full-day kindergarten opportunities for all local education agencies, with an option for half-day kindergarten.
As of July 2024, 27 of 41 school districts reported 95-100% of kindergartners attending full-day kindergarten during the 2023-2024 school year. Forty of the 96 charter schools reported 95-100% of kindergarteners opting for the full-day option during the 2023-2024 school year. Before this bill was passed, only about three in 10 Utah kindergartners were enrolled in a full-day kindergarten option.
“We are excited to see more families being able to access the full-day option. It comes with both academic and social benefits,” said State Superintendent of Public Instruction Sydnee Dickson. Data shows that students enrolled in full-day kindergarten are less likely to need academic interventions in later grades. Educators have mentioned that more time in the school day offers more flexibility and more time to do activities during free choice times. Utah continues to ensure parents have the option for half-day kindergarten if that best meets their needs.
