Interestingly, the research on pre-K (and, somewhat by extension, K, depending on the age cutoffs) is that it is very useful (from the standpoint of long-term academic achievement) for children from families who are disadvantaged, but virtually useless for upper SES families. IOW, it is useful for those who cannot afford to pay for preschool, and not useful for those who can. Children from enriched homes do not need preschool to be prepared for school.

...pronounced like the long vowel and first letter of the alphabet...