Bright Horizons research highlights importance of confidence in school readiness

Research from the 2025 Modern Family Index, commissioned by Bright Horizons and conducted by The Harris Poll, indicates a shift in how parents view school readiness. The study found that 82% of parents believe entering kindergarten with confidence is as vital as academic milestones like reciting the alphabet.

Kindergarten readiness is generally categorized into several key developmental areas: social-emotional skills, early literacy, basic mathematics, motor skills, and self-care independence. Social-emotional abilities, such as emotional regulation and the ability to cooperate with peers, are often considered strong predictors of long-term success in a school environment.

Experts note that while academic foundations like letter recognition and counting are important, durable skills—including problem-solving, adaptability, and communication—are increasingly valued for navigating future educational and professional landscapes.