It appears as though all-day kindergarten is a hit with parents, teachers, and most importantly, students.

Whether students are learning more, it’s too early to tell. But for the sake of parents and students, Minnesota ought to do an honest study to find out.

In an early test, one teacher in northwestern Minnesota says all-day kindergarten students are benefitting from having more time with the teacher, and grasp educational concepts such as math and reading. However, teachers also say the 5-year-old students simply aren’t ready to take on any more than those in half-day kindergarten.

Considering that parents see cost savings in sending their children to all-day kindergarten versus pay for afternoon child care, funding all-day kindergarten fully doesn’t seem an immediate priority, especially when considering the state’s projected $3 billion deficit and the more pressing educational needs.

However, if, for example, the children enrolled in all-day kindergarten test better than those in half-day kindergarten in a year, two years and three years, then the Legislature ought to fund all-day kindergarten quickly.

The bottom line is, Minnesota needs to do what is best for its children. If all-day kindergarten gives our children an advantage over the rest of the state and nation, it is worth the additional cost.