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 ...

Kindergarten in the United States is not what it used to be. For one thing, it’s longer. In 1998, only about 56 percent of children attended full-day kindergarten. Today, that figure is 80 percent, ...

The state of Minnesota is funding free, all-day kindergarten for the first time starting this year in an effort to provide an academic boost to low-income, special needs, and English-learner students.