The purpose of this qualitative, exploratory case study was to research how a high-quality, state-funded preschool program academically prepared at-risk students for kindergarten in a large public school district in southeastern Virginia. The school district has over 20 elementary schools with seven of the schools housing Virginia's high-quality, state-funded preschool program known as Virginia Preschool Initiative. The research problem addressed in this study was the lack of at-risk students' academic readiness for kindergarten upon completion of a high-quality, state-funded preschool program. This study was significant as it identified factors that either hindered or promoted students from reaching academic readiness prior to entering kindergarten. Data from this research study contribute to existing research on the importance of early learning and kindergarten readiness for preschool children. Data from this study also contribute to existing research by identifying additional factors that either help or hinder students' achievement. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://bibliotheek.ehb.be:2222/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]