Nearly 1,700 of Everett's youngest students walked into classrooms for the first time Tuesday, Sept. 8, as Everett Public Schools opened kindergarten and preschool for the 2026-27 school year.

The district enrolled 1,369 kindergartners across its 18 elementary schools and 320 preschoolers in the Early Childhood Education and Assistance Program (ECEAP) at seven schools, according to the district. ECEAP enrollment remains open for eligible children ages 3 and 4.

The youngest learners started one week after grades 1-12 began Wednesday, Sept. 2. The district staggers the start to give kindergartners and preschoolers extra transition time.

The week before school opened, kindergarten and ECEAP families sat down with their children's teachers for one-on-one connection meetings. The sessions welcomed each child individually and eased the shift into a school routine.

Anne Arnold, director of P-5 instruction for Everett Public Schools, said the district values what those early days provide.

"We know that high-quality early learning experiences set students on a trajectory of educational success and launch them toward high school graduation and beyond," Arnold said.

The meetings followed a busy August. More than 1,000 incoming kindergartners attended Everett Ready events held at all 18 elementary schools earlier in the month.

ECEAP is Washington state's free preschool program. It serves children ages 3 and 4 in families that meet income or other eligibility criteria, including homelessness, foster care and special education needs, according to the state Department of Children, Youth and Families. The district also offers developmental preschool at six elementary schools.

Families interested in ECEAP or other early learning programs can find details at everettsd.org/early-learning.