Enrollment of 3- and 4-year-olds in New Mexico early education continues to grow. This progress reflects the state’s commitment to supporting young learners as they begin their academic journey. A new report highlights efforts to expand access to early education for more families.
New Mexico ranks seventh in the nation for preschool access among 3-year-olds, according to a new report from the National Institute for Early Education Research dubbed “State of Preschool 2025 Yearbook.” The report also ranks the state 11th nationwide for access among 4-year-olds.
New Mexico ranked fifth nationally in state spending per child. The state exceeded the national average and outspent many larger and wealthier states.
“Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham and the New Mexico Legislature have made an unwavering commitment to our youngest children, and this report reflects that,” said Early Childhood Education and Care Secretary Elizabeth Groginsky. “We are proud to be a national leader in both access and investment, and the state will keep raising the bar to ensure every child in every community has access to the high-quality early learning opportunities they deserve.”
What the Data Say
During the 2024-2025 school year, New Mexico PreK enrolled 16,429 children, an increase of 334 from the previous year. The data shows 22 percent of enrolled children are 3-year-olds, while 53 percent are 4-year-olds.
State spending reached $226,084,608, up by $9,246,573, or 4 percent, from the prior year after adjusting for inflation.
Meanwhile, state spending per child equaled $13,761 in 2024-2025, increasing by $289 from 2023-2024 after adjusting for inflation.
New Mexico met nine of the institute’s 10 quality standards benchmarks. The standards assess indicators such as teacher qualifications, class size, early learning criteria, and curriculum support.
The institute does not award New Mexico the benchmark requiring teachers to hold a bachelor’s degree. However, NM PreK Standards require teachers to hold a bachelor’s degree in early childhood education, hold an early childhood education license, or actively pursue a bachelor’s degree or alternative licensure in early childhood education.
New Mexico ranks among a small group of states approaching the highest tier of quality recognition in the institute’s report. Only six states currently meet all 10 benchmarks. New Mexico’s programs operate at a level of investment and access that surpasses most of them. Even New Mexico’s spending per child places the state well above the national average.
The yearbook analyzes state-funded preschool enrollment, spending, and quality nationwide. In 2024-25, 44 states and the District of Columbia funded preschool programs nationwide. Enrollment reached 37 percent of 4-year-olds and 9 percent of 3-year-olds. Most state pre-K programs continue to primarily serve 4-year-olds.
Community-based New Mexico PreK educators may also qualify for increased compensation through the PreK Parity Program. The initiative helps align their pay with public school compensation. In FY25, the program funded 179 educators and provided additional stipends for some staff with specialized credentials.
The recent NIEER report highlights an increase in early childhood enrollment in New Mexico. The findings bring positive news for the state and for families seeking to give young children an early start in their academic journey.