the Cost of Private Preschools

The preschool provides classes for three and four year olds. The four year old classes are structured to help children prepare for Kindergarten.

Class is from 8:00 until 11:00 with a snack included, for $8 per day. There is a brief recess. Children can stay until 5:00 p.m. for daycare following preschool. Those who stay all day are charged $12 per day, and they receive lunch and a second snack. There is another recess period and nap time.

The instructors are very creative and plan a variety of activities and projects to keep the children interested. One teacher even spends her break time working on extra things to make sure class period is exciting. She also offers plenty of praise and encouragement, so the children respond well to her.

The school is always open -and friendly- to parents, even when dropping by unannounced. This is a very good sign in my opinion.

Make sure all staff members have been properly screened, from the janitor to the teacher's aide and everyone in between. Ask lots of questions, not just of the staff, but also of the other parents whose children attend the preschool.

Ask about curriculum. Are children being prepared for "real" school or are they just basically going on a daily play date?

Learn how the day is structured. It will help with your routine at home. If you know your child had a snack just before leaving school, you can plan to make lunch later when he is or she is ready.