Smaller Class Sizes for Students and Educators Act of 2026

Smaller class sizes for K–3 students

If enacted, the bill would create a competitive federal grant program to cut class sizes in kindergarten through grade 3. The program would get $2 billion in the first fiscal year and fund five-year grants to school districts. Grants would prioritize high-poverty districts and "targeted schools" (schools in the highest free-or-reduced-price-lunch quartile within a district) and require plans to reduce K–3 class sizes to no more than 18 students. Districts could use up to 3% for administration, up to 15% for adding or renovating classroom space, and up to 15% for teacher professional development, while at least 97% must be used to reduce class sizes. Grants would fund hiring and supporting fully certified teachers (including special education), require annual reporting to States and an independent evaluation by the Institute of Education Sciences, and must supplement, not supplant, other funds.