Previous studies, while not suggesting that all preschool programs will bring lasting benefits, demonstrate that early education can change the course of children's lives, especially children from disadvantaged backgrounds. This study dealt with early childhood education and school success, evaluating the effect of preschool attendance on reading and mathematics achievement. The study included 65 third-grade students from a Chicago public elementary school. From the 65, 60 students were selected, half of whom had attended preschool and half of whom had not. Reading and mathematics achievement scores from the Iowa Tests of Basic Skills (ITBS), which are administered annually to Chicago public elementary students, were analyzed. Results showed that preschool education had a significant impact on mathematical achievement but not on reading achievement, indicating a need for further research on preschool attendance and academic achievement, including the effects of gender and age. (Contains 20 references.) (BGC)