Long-Term Effects of Universal Preschool in Boston*.

This article evaluates the long-term effects of Boston's large-scale public preschool program on educational and behavioral outcomes using a randomized lottery-based research design. The study finds that preschool enrollment significantly increases on-time college enrollment (by 8.3 percentage points), SAT test taking, and high school graduation rates, while reducing high school disciplinary incidents including juvenile incarceration. However, it detects no significant effects on standardized state achievement test scores (Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System). Effects on college enrollment, SAT participation, and disciplinary outcomes are generally larger for boys than girls, with no consistent differences by race or income. These findings contribute novel evidence on the sustained benefits of a modern, publicly funded preschool program and highlight the importance of assessing long-term and non–test score outcomes in education policy evaluations.