Young students are still struggling to bounce back academically from the pandemic, even though many were babies at the time.

In early 2026, a small group of first-grade students at Lucy Wortham James Elementary School in St. James, Missouri, sat together sounding out words.

Incoming first-graders offered advice to students starting first grade this year. Many students said they were nervous on their first day but made friends quickly. Reading, math and making friends ...

In early 2026, a small group of first-grade students at Lucy Wortham James Elementary School in St. James, Missouri, sat together sounding out words. Kim Williams, the school’s principal, watched as ...