06/16/2026
Early learning opportunities, such as preschool, play an essential role in preparing children for kindergarten and setting them up for long-term educational success. However, access to early childhood education programs remains uneven, with many families struggling to access and afford high-quality programs in their area.
This year, Missouri ranked 29th in the Education domain. The 2026 cumulative score for Missouri is 383, whereas the 2019 score was 546. Missouri’s score is also lower than the national average for Education, which is 417.
Interested in learning more about how Missouri compares to other states? Visit the interactive map at https://www.aecf.org/interactive/databook?d=ed.
Download the 2026 KIDS COUNT® Data Book from our partners at Annie E. Casey Foundation to explore the latest data on children’s education in Missouri. https://bit.ly/26DataBook-FB.