This paper examines four state or local pre-K programs that are proven to drive sustained academic outcomes at cost-effective or near cost-effective levels for children in low-income families. These programs include Boston Pre-K, New Jersey's Abbott pre-K, North Carolina's Pre-K (formerly More at Four), and Maryland's Extended Elementary Education Program (EEEP) and "Judy Centers." This paper is a written summary delineating which elements of high-quality programs are necessary for early learning that sticks. (author abstract)