The Great Start Readiness Program enrolls 4-year-olds in pre-K programming across the state. Students can enroll in local schools, child-care centers and nonprofit organizations for the program. (Courtesy of Kent Intermediate School District, via Bridge Michigan)

(This story was originally published by Bridge Michigan, a nonprofit and nonpartisan news organization. Visit the newsroom online: bridgemi.com.)

Michigan’s signature free pre-K program for 4-year-olds has reached a new enrollment high as state officials continue to tout cost savings and educational benefits to parents.

Across the state, there are about 51,000 students enrolled in the Great Start Readiness Program, the state’s free pre-K program. The numbers announced Tuesday are an increase of 8,971 students from this time las

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