If you thought kindergarten was about just learning the alphabet and eating paste, think again. Now more than ever, experts are uncovering evidence that suggests that a good education during the early years of childhood is important to adult success. In fact, a recent study has uncovered that successful kindergarten students will earn more than their average counterparts as adults.
Even the smallest factor can have a huge impact. “For instance,” says study researcher and Harvard University economist John Friedman, “Being in a smaller class for two years increases the probability of attending college by 2 percent. A study like this highlights how important kindergarten and other early education is for students, and for their later-life outcomes, not just in thinking about a single student, but also in thinking about inequality across students.”
So, does this mean the Star Wars kid will be a more successful adult? I have my doubts about these studies; a lot can change in the 20 years between kindergarten and college. Since everyone goes to college these days, does the start really matter? We’re all going to finish with the same lousy, worthless college diplomas.
Tags: kindergarten achievers make more money as adults, kindergarten success predicts adult success, kindergarten, early education benefits, early childhood education benefits kids later in life, Harvard University, John Friedman