Are pre-K classes important, or overrated?

With major budget cuts looming for public education in Texas, something’s gotta give. One of those things may be pre-kindergarten classes.

In some districts, they will be cut from a full day to a half-day. In others, they may disappear entirely.

pre-k graduation

Image by kcolwell via Flickr

Supporters of pre-K classes are dismayed. They say that

these classes help small

children develop good learning habits early, benefits that last for years.

Yet others say that while pre-K classes are nice, they   are also overrated. They believe that small children really can’t learn complex subjects in school and that pre-K classes are basically glorified babysitting.

Whaddya think?

Important or overrated?

If a school district has to cut something, should pre-K classes get the ax before something else?

Would half-day classes be acceptable for pre-K students, or is the full day needed?

Would you hold your child out of pre-K classes even if they were available for your family? If so, why?


Thomas Taschinger