Early Childhood Education is an umbrella term that covers all kinds of educational programs serving children in preschool years. These formative years are crucial for children, and they need good teachers to help them begin their learning journey. Teachers are trained to aid in the cognitive and social development of preschoolers and prepare them for elementary school. They help create a strong foundation in language development, early math, and early literacy.
Types of degree programs covered in this ranking include the following:
- Online Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Education (BA)
- Online Bachelor of Science in Education: Early Childhood Education (BS)
- Online Bachelor of Applied Science in Child Development (BAS)
- Online Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Development and Learning (BS)
- Online Bachelor’s in Elementary Education: Early Childhood Education
Are you undecided as to what major to pursue? Check out our article 5 of the Easiest Online Bachelor’s Degrees. If you are looking for a way to find high-quality, online degree programs for the best price, check out our ranking of the Most Affordable Online Bachelor’s Degrees.
The programs combine purposeful learning activities and play and experiences designed to offer enriched learning experiences that lead to a child’s development in all critical developmental areas. Along with conventional preschool or pre-kindergarten classrooms., trained teachers also work childcare and daycare, churches, community centers or nursery school settings. A well-rounded curriculum supports all areas of development, enhances learning, and addresses child health and nutrition.
Featured Programs
An early childhood education bachelor’s degree is the first step to a rewarding career for those who are passionate about working with children before they are old enough to enter kindergarten. Students can opt for the general track or choose to specialize in a specific at-risk category within these programs. An online program offers a flexible, self-paced format for those who wish to gain a bachelor’s degree as they continue to work.
Curious to see what career prospects are out there for those who hold a bachelor’s degree in early childhood education? Check out our article on the Highest Paying Early Childhood Education Careers.
Rating and Ranking Methodology
Cost per credit hour:
- Under $250: 4 points
- Under $350: 3 points
- Under $450: 2 points
- Under $550: 1 point
U.S. News & World Report Recognition: Best Online Bachelor’s Programs:
- Top 10 Ranking: 4 points
- Top 20 Ranking: 3 points
- Top 30 Ranking: 2 points
- Top 40 Ranking: 1 point
Customization Options:
- Content Customizations (e.g., Minors, Concentrations, Specializations, etc.)—1 Point
- Format Customizations (e.g., Hybrid/Online, Full-time/Part-Time, etc.)—1 Point
Wow Factor:
- 1 point awarded for each unique feature or program that “wowed” us
#30 Brandman University
Irvine, California
Online Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Education
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Points: 6
Brandman University offers an affordable Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Education online that prepares students to be excellent teachers for preschoolers. The high-quality education teaches them to provide inclusive care and education to children in preschool and even in elementary levels. The 42-credit course offers a blend of theory, practicum, fieldwork, and a capstone, all of which helps students demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and dispositions they have learned. The School of Education at Brandman University is accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE), www.ncate.org.
Brandman University is accredited by the WSCUC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC).
Tuition per credit:$500
#29 Ashford University
San Diego, California
Online Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Education
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Points: 7
Ashford University offers an affordable Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Education degree online which prepares graduates to work as administrators, daycare assistants, camp counselors, and teaching assistants. The early childhood education core curriculum includes Administration of Early Childhood Education Programs, Nutrition & Health of Young Children & Families, Collaboration with Parents & Community and Children & Families in a Diverse Society. Students have the option to specialize in Infant and Toddler Care. The 42-credit program teaches students the various ways to support young children during a pivotal time of academic and personal growth. They learn to apply these acquired skills to promote the cognitive, social, and emotional development of children.
Tuition per credit: $485
#28 University of Phoenix
Tempe, Arizona
Online Bachelor of Science in Education: Early Childhood Education
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Points: 8
The University of Phoenix offers an affordable Online Bachelor of Science in Education: Early Childhood Education degree. The course aligns with the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) and the standards set by the Interstate Teaching Assessment and Support Consortium (InTASC.) The 120-credit hour program includes core courses like Assessment and Evaluation in Early Childhood, curriculum development and child learning, Exceptionalities of the Young Child, Early Childhood Growth and Development, Community and Family Engagement and more. It also requires students to field experiences as student teachers. The course prepares students to shape the cognitive, academic, and skills of children in pre-K through third grade and help them succeed in school.
Tuition per credit:$398
#27 West Virginia University at Parkersburg
Parkersburg, West Virginia
Online Bachelor of Applied Science in Child Development
Points: 8
West Virginia University at Parkersburg offers an affordable Online Bachelor of Applied Science in Child Development that help students master the fundamental knowledge of early education teaching. The 60-credit hour program helps students to plan, assess and implement developmentally appropriate learning experiences for young children. They use their understanding of child development and acquired skills to promote emotional, social, physical, and cognitive growth. The courseware includes early education, family & child, young children with special needs, preschool development, ethics and administration among others. The course culminates into a capstone project.
Tuition per credit:$364
#26 National University
La Jolla, California
Online Bachelor of Arts with Major in Early Childhood Education
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Points: 9
National University offers a cheap online Bachelor of Arts degree in Early Childhood Education.
National University’s early childhood education bachelor’s degree online program features three concentration options. The 180-quarter unit program leads to a bachelor’s degree and prepares students for California licensure. The core curriculum includes topics like The Growing Child: Zero to Eight, Designing Emerging Curriculum, Early Cognition, and Children with Special Needs. Students can choose from three concentration options: Infant and Toddler, Early Childhood Administration, and Teacher Education. The affordable online degree provides a rigorous curriculum and a broad understanding of early education. Candidates gain essential knowledge, techniques, and strategies for teaching young children.
Tuition per quarter unit: $370
#25 Regent University
Virginia Beach, Virginia
Online Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education
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Points: 9
Regent University offers an affordable Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education degree online that features a unique course in Wellness in Childcare Programs. The 120-credit hour program blends a general education core with an early childhood education core. The core courses include Characteristics of Students with Disabilities, Childhood and Adolescent Growth and Development, and Wellness in Childcare Programs. Students learn to develop educational pathways for children in early childhood years and help shape their educational foundation. Typical job titles include a preschool teacher, preschool or childcare center director, parent educator or community care licensing analyst, counselor among others.
Tuition per credit:$566
#24 Ball State University
Muncie, Indiana
Online Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education
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Points: 9
Ball State University offers an affordable Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education degree online. The 120-credit program is designed for students who wish to study child development of children ages birth through five years old. It is a non-licensure program that also offers scholarships to eligible students. The faculty consists of experienced and active practitioners in the field of early childhood education. This cheap online degree can give your career a big boost in a variety of early childhood settings. The program was developed per the standards outlined by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC). The program is accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE) and the Higher Learning Commission. It gives students an edge over the competition in the pre-K sphere.
Tuition per credit:$616
#23 Penn Foster College
Scottsdale, AZ
Online Bachelor’s in Early Childhood Education
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Points: 10
Penn Foster College offers a flexible and affordable early childhood education bachelor’s degree online. The entirely self-paced program is designed for working professionals who work with young children from ages 0-8 years. The 185-credit program includes courses like Information Literacy, Infant and Toddler Care, Child Growth and Development, and Guidance in Early Childhood Education. Students gain a well-balanced view of a child’s developmental process, child psychology, and socially relevant problem areas that they can apply to their work. Students are also required to complete externships with a Penn Foster academic partner.
Tuition per credit:$63
#22 Grand Canyon University
Phoenix, Arizona
Online Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education
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Points: 10
Grand Canyon University offers an affordable Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education degree online. The 120-credit hour program includes core courses like Educational Psychology in Early Childhood, Early Childhood Literature, Quality Practices for Typical and Atypical Behaviors of Young Children, and Technology in the Early Childhood Classroom. The program leads to initial teacher licensure. The online program follows the same rigor and engagement as the on-campus program and is taught by expert faculty members who are active practitioners in the field. The cheap online bachelor’s degree in early childhood education provides the fundamentals for teaching and prepares one to become a highly qualified teacher.
Tuition per credit:$440
#21 Central Michigan University
Mount Pleasant, Michigan
Online Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Development and Learning
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Points:10
Central Michigan University offers an affordable Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Development and Learning degree online. The 124-credit program is designed to meet the training guidelines of the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC.) The Early Childhood Development and Learning major also fulfills the early childhood education and preschool teaching standards of the Michigan Department of Education. Students gain the right training, skills, and knowledge to work with children and families from diverse backgrounds on-elementary early childhood settings. They go on to work in preschools, child care centers, Head Start and Early Head Start programs. This cheap early education degree gives students the education, training, and skills they need to excel as an early child development advocate.
Tuition per credit:$417
#20 Liberty University
Lynchburg, Virginia
Online Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education Interdisciplinary Studies
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Points: 11
Liberty University offers an affordable early childhood education bachelors degree online provides students the educational theory and leadership skills they need to be successful early ed teachers. The 120-credit program helps them establish an understanding of early childhood educational development while emphasizing Christian values. Students also learn about the various behavior and the associated methods of instruction and also complete a practicum. Those who wish to obtain teaching licensure can use this program as a stepping stone to the master’s degree in teaching. Graduates may pursue careers in preschool education, tutoring, ministry, and related fields.
Tuition per credit:$390
#19 Wilmington University
New Castle, Delaware
Online Bachelor of Science in Education Studies: Early Childhood Education
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Points:11
Wilmington University offers an affordable Online Bachelor of Science in Education Studies in Early Childhood Education. The 122-credit hour program is designed for students who are keen to work with children between the ages 0-8. The interdisciplinary program is a blend of a core curriculum, student’s choice of a concentration and an internship. The faculty consists of active practitioners in the early education who are well versed in the challenges facing today’s educators. Wilmington University’s College of Education is accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) under NCATE Standards (National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education.)
Tuition per credit:$354
#18 University of Cincinnati
Cincinnati, Ohio
Online Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education
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Points: 11
The University of Cincinnati offers an affordable Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education degree online. The program designed for candidates who love working with young children and wish to teach kids from birth to five years old. It prepares them to work in a variety of early education settings like preschools, child-care centers, Head Start programs, private and public schools, and other related programs. Successful completion of degree requirements and faculty’s recommendation may lead to a pre-K license in Ohio. The School of Education was ranked 3rd Best Early Education Program in the Nation (SED, 2015 USA Today). The cheap online program is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP).
Tuition per credit:$459
#17 Northern Arizona University
Flagstaff, Arizona
Online Early Childhood Education & Early Childhood Special Education, Bachelor of Science in Education
Points: 11
Northern Arizona University offers an affordable Online Early Childhood Education & Early Childhood Special Education, Bachelor of Science in Education via its Department of Teaching and Learning. The 120-credit program provides a dual certification in both early childhood (EC)/early childhood special education (ECSE) at the bachelor’s level. This makes teaching candidates eligible to teach all children between ages 0-8 including special kids. The course combines a major with liberal studies and university requirements and culminates in a capstone. Students gain strong child development knowledge and learn to work in strategic and evidence-based ways across multiple settings.
The program is accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP).
Tuition per credit:$459
#16 Florida International University
Miami, Florida
Online Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education
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Points: 12
Florida International University offers an affordable Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education degree online. The 120-credit program covers topics like literacy development, children with special needs, assessment techniques, cultural diversity, and classroom management among others. Students may opt to specialize in Education in History and Play and Development of Social Competence. The online program follows the same rigor and engagement as the on-campus program and addresses the development of the whole child. Graduates go on to work in various areas like childcare, child development, and early education for children in preschool or early elementary years.
Tuition per credit:$329.77
#15 Mississippi State University
Starkville, Mississippi
Online Bachelor’s in Elementary Education: Early Childhood Education
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Points: 12
Mississippi State University offers a cheap online bachelor’s degree in elementary education with an early childhood education concentration. The 123-credit hour course covers key areas like English Social sciences. Natural sciences, math and fine arts with an Early Childhood Education concentration. All classes are taught by full-time MSU faculty and follow the same rigor as the on-campus program. The innovative and engaging education includes field experiences that prepare students for pre-K through 6th-grade classroom teaching experience. The affordable online degree in early childhood education provides students with the most current and evidence-based practices.
Tuition per credit:$381
#14 University of Nebraska
Lincoln, Nebraska
Online Bachelor’s in Early Childhood Education
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Points: 12
The University of Nebraska offers an affordable Online Bachelor’s in Early Childhood Education prepares graduates to teach children ages 0-5 in special education settings. It also prepares them to teach ages 0-8 in regular education settings. The 120-credit program includes courses like Teaching in a Democratic Society, Typical and Atypical Growth and Development, Instructional Technology and the Preservice Teacher, Management and Assessment in Preschool and Elementary Classrooms, Student Teaching and Inclusive Practices for Students with Exceptionalities in Pre K-8 Classrooms. It is designed for in-service teachers, staff in Head Start programs, and assistants in preschools among others.
Tuition per credit:$387
#13 The University of Alabama
Tuscaloosa, Alabama
Online Bachelor’s in Human Environmental Sciences: Early Childhood Education
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Points: 13
The University of Alabama offers an affordable online bachelor’s degree in early childhood education program through its Bama by Distance program. The 120-credit program prepares students to work in various jobs like preschool teachers, child daycare providers, parent counselors, child care center administrators, and community service providers. The cheap online degree helps students to gain an understanding of the development and growth of children from birth to age eight. The program is accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC.)
Tuition per credit:$364
#12 University of Missouri
Columbia, Missouri
Online Bachelor of Science in Human Development and Family Science: Early Childhood Education in a Mobile Society
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Points: 13
The University of Missouri offers a cheap online Bachelor of Science in human development and family science with an emphasis in early childhood education in a mobile society (BS.) The 120-credit program covers topics like child development, curriculum development, assessment, working with families, and classroom environments. Graduates may work in various educational settings with young children aged 0-8 years. The affordable online degree is accredited by the higher learning commission but does not result in teacher certification or licensure. The self-paced program offers a dynamic and engaging curriculum that helps promote positive development and learning for young children.
Tuition per credit:$284.80
#11 Florida State College at Jacksonville
Jacksonville, Florida
Online Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Development
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Points: 11
Florida State College-Jacksonville offers an affordable Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Development degree online. The 120-credit program combines a rigorous curriculum with a practicum to give comprehensive training to future early-ed teachers. Students are required to pass three teacher certification exams, complete a portfolio, and complete a capstone course before graduation. The cheap online program bachelor’s program in early education is approved by the Florida Department of Education and prepares students to teach children in preschool through grade 3 in a variety of childcare and educational settings. The course covers topics like curriculum development, classroom management and assessment techniques among others.
Tuition per credit:$218.55
#10 Concordia University-Saint Paul
Saint Paul, Minnesota
Online Bachelor’s Degree in Child Development
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Points: 13
Concordia University-Saint Paul offers an affordable early childhood education bachelors degree online program that focuses on advocacy and leadership and teaches developmentally appropriate practices in the field of early education. The 42-credit program prepares students for Minnesota State teaching licensure and helps them high-paying jobs in this sector. Designed for students who wish to work with young children in preschool and early elementary years, the program addresses and meets the standards set by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) for initial professional preparation. The flexible, online format is perfect for busy adults who wish to earn their degree and continue with their full-time jobs at the same time. They learn the fundamentals of child development and how to create inclusive and effective learning environments for children in their early years.
Tuition per credit:$420
#9 Eastern Kentucky University
Richmond, Kentucky
Online Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education
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Points: 13
Eastern Kentucky University offers an affordable online Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education. The 125-credit hour program blends academic and professional preparation and prepares graduates to work as preschool teachers, curriculum specialists, assessment specialists, and childcare specialists among many other roles. The rigorous curriculum includes topics like interaction and guidance, family involvement with young children, foundations of the early childhood professional, early childhood observations and assessment, ethics, and advocacy. U.S. News & World Report has ranked eastern Kentucky University among the best universities offering online degrees.
Tuition per credit:$409
#8 Chaminade University of Honolulu
Honolulu, Hawaii
Online Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education
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Points: 13
Chaminade University of Honolulu’s early childhood education bachelor’s degree online program Chaminade University offers an affordable early childhood education bachelor’s degree online option through the Office of Professional and Continuing Education. The 120-credit hour program trains students to work with young children ages 2 1/2 through six years in private and public schools, and other educational settings. The cheap online B.S. degree with Montessori Credential is ideal for those with a Montessori credential. The course is well-aligned with the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) standards. The rigorous online curriculum includes topics like Health & Family Issues in Early Childhood Education, Educational Technology, Children’s Literature, and Leadership & Guidance in Education.
Tuition per credit:$500
#7 Kendall College
Chicago, Illinois
Online Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Education
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Points: 13
Kendall College offers an affordable Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Education online where students can choose from a non-licensure or a teacher certification option. The latter leads to a which leads to an Illinois teacher licensure. The 183-credit program has a very versatile curriculum that includes topics like Administration and Leadership, Technology Integration in the Classroom, Grant Management, Observation and Assessment of the Young Child, Childhood Nutrition, Special Education, Child Development, and English as a Second Language. Students go on to work in a variety of early education settings and positively affect the lives of young children during their crucial developmental years.
Tuition per credit:$524
#6 University of Massachusetts-Amherst
Amherst, Massachusetts
Online Bachelor of Arts in Early Care and Education
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Points: 14
The University of Massachusetts-Amherst offers an affordable online bachelor’s degree in early childhood education. The 44-credit program is designed for both working educators and students who wish to work with young children during their preschool and early elementary years. The cheap online degree includes courses like multicultural education, inclusion, behavior management, and early childhood curriculum. The accelerated program allows students to complete the course in two years or less despite it being a part-time option for many.
Tuition per credit:$390
#5 Fort Hays State University
Hays, Kansas
Online Bachelor of Science in Education: Early Childhood Unified
Points: 14
Fort Hays State University offers an affordable Online Bachelor of Science in Education with a concentration in unified early childhood. The term “Unified” in this program means that graduates can teach regular students as well as children with special needs. The 126-credit hour program prepares students for teacher licensure in Kansas and some other states too. The cheap online degree program includes courses such as Human Growth & Development, Child Care Management & Administration, Diverse Learners, and Assessment in Special Education along with professional studies.
Tuition per credit:$237.72
#4 Eastern Oregon University
La Grande, Oregon
Online Bachelor’s in Early Childhood Education
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Points: 15
Eastern Oregon University offers an affordable online bachelor’s degree in early childhood education. The 60-credit program includes courses like Early Childhood Foundations, Child Development: Conception through age 8, Family Collaboration in Early Childhood, Positive Behavior Guidance and Management in EC, Literature for Young Children, Play & Learning Environments in Early Childhood, Technology in Early Childhood, Assessment and Observation in Early Childhood, Early Childhood Health and Wellness and Critical Issues in Early Childhood among others. The cheap online bachelor’s degree is a non-licensure program but leads to a master’s degree for interested students. Graduates go on to work as preschool teachers and administrators in a variety of public and private educational settings.
Cost Per Credit Hour:
Tuition per credit:$232
#3 Southern Oregon University
Ashland, Oregon
Online Bachelor’s in Early Childhood Development
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Points: 15
Southern Oregon University offers an affordable early childhood education bachelor’s degree online. Students can opt for a BS or BA format depending on their needs and interest. The 180-credit program includes courses like Children with Disabilities, Differentiated Curriculum in the Inclusive Classroom, Children at Risk, and Atypical Child Development. Graduates get ready to work in a variety of careers like preschool teacher, administrator, Head Start Program teacher, family advocate, educational assistant, and early interventionist among others. Future teachers also gain a deep understanding of how to work with children at risk. The curriculum for this cheap online bachelor’s degree is aligned with both the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) and the Association for Childhood Education International (ACEI).
Tuition per credit:$212
#2 Purdue Global University
West Lafayette, Indiana
Online Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Administration
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Points: 15
Purdue Global University offers an affordable online Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Administration which trains students to become leaders in the early childhood field. The 180-credit program is designed to enhance their knowledge in early childhood growth and development, early childhood leadership and advocacy, early childhood education, and curriculum along with business and management skills. By the end of the program, students are well-equipped to pursue a career in a variety of fields related to early education and even become independent business owners. Students can also opt for the accelerated format which allows them to complete the course in less time and prepare for their master’s degree program online as well.
Tuition per credit:$$371
#1 University of Washington
Seattle, Washington
Online Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Education
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Points: 16
The University of Washington offers an affordable Online Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood and Family Studies. The 116-120 credit program allows students to choose from two pathways – the core pathway or the teaching and learning pathway. The research-intensive curriculum prepares students to work in a variety of early education settings like preschool teachers, administrators, or other related early childhood education field. The cheap online bachelor’s degree includes specialty course topics like Exceptional Children, Social Policy & Young Children & Families, and Positive Behavior & Support in Early Childhood.
Tuition per credit:$231
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Sources:
- National Center for Education Statistics
- School Websites