How much is too much for preschool?

Stella2008 · February 2012

DH and I (who both work full time) are currently looking for a new daycare/preschool for DD. She will be 3 in June, and her in home provider then looks for the parents to transition the kids into a full time preschool/daycare option. We have a preschool/day care right around the corner from our house that the kids usually move to, but DH and I visited and we really did not care for it. Although it is accredited and has a god reputation, I was not wowed at all by the classrooms or the staff. The only real benefits would be the location--we could walk her there every day--and the fact that all of her little friends from her in home daycare go there. The cost is also great--actually less than what we pay now for our in home. We have started looking at other options, including a montessori school that is on the way to the train (we live in the city and commute via train). We visited this weekend, and really, really liked it--the methods, the space, the teachers were all great. However, the cost is very high--in total, it will be around $15k per year for 3 part time days (8:30-1pm--we work from home some days so can make this work) and 2 full time days (7:30am-6pm). We can afford it, but something about paying almost double from what we pay now really seems crazy to me. Plus, 15k for preschool? Wow.

Am I nuts? Has anyone else been in a similar position, and how did you come to a decision?

KatFCo · February 2012

15K for only 3 half days? That seems like way too much for me. We pay 10K for 5 days of full time preschool/daycare.

Much of it might boil down to what you're looking for. If Montessori is a big deal to you, it's probably going to be worth it.

Wally3 · February 2012

I think it depends on if you think it is worth it to you. I was looking at a more expensive preschool for DS. What swayed it for me was they had a lot of teach work days and holidays. I didn't think it was worth it to pay a lot then have to pay extra to send him on their "closed" days or find other care for him. This may not be as big of deal as you work from home, but maybe something to think about when compraisen shopping.

Stella2008 · February 2012

cmeon_the_water:
KatFCo:

15K for only 3 half days? That seems like way too much for me. We pay 10K for 5 days of full time preschool/daycare.

Much of it might boil down to what you're looking for. If Montessori is a big deal to you, it's probably going to be worth it.

Montessori traditionally is always 5 day a week programs for their 3-6yos. It sounds like she's planning on 3 "half days" (more like mornings + lunch extension?) and 2 full days + aftercare. I can see that adding up in an area with a HCOL- and I do think the "because they can" sentiment is probably spot on in regards to many $$$ preschools.

I would definitely drop by during an in session day- even if they do some child care/tutoring/extra sessions (more common in Montessoris that have elementary+) on the weekends, it definitely wouldn't be the same feel as an actual school day- and they are really cool to behold in a well run Montessori preschool.

Yes--this is exactly right. She would be there MWF 8:30am-1pm and T/TH from 7:30am-5:30pm.

This is a strictly montessori preschool--they have 55 students in 3 rooms age 3-6, and each child comes 5 days per week (with extended day options--but we were told there are only about 15 students that actually stay past 3pm). We went to the open house this weekend, and are going back for an observation this week. From what I have been reading, it would be considered a "true" montessori program based on what we saw.

Smores730 · February 2012

Our decision would probably be this: While she's just 3 years old, I'd send her to the cheap school. Even if she was given amazing education and absorbed it like a sponge, she's still just 3. The difference isn't going to be all that vast between her and a "sub-par" educated child at that age. Then, if you don't like the cheap school, don't feel like she learned enough, etc., send her to the Montessori one the following year. At 4, *I* believe a greater gap can be created based on how well their education program is. My opinion is derived from teaching pre-school and pre-k kids for a few years. There was only so much most of my 3 year olds could learn, but my 4 year olds picked up on things amazingly fast and were willing and wanting to learn anything I taught them.

FutureMrsCaesar · February 2012

If you feel strongly that the montessori will be best for your child then I think you should seriously consider it. It sounds like she will be spending a significant amount of time (7:30-6pm 2 days/week is a long day) in whatever school she attends and you have to take her to a place where you are confident that she is receiving the type of education and treatment that you want her to. You aren't going to be happy taking her to a daycare everyday that you are not 100% comfortable with. Also, making new friends at 3 is really not a big deal. It's not like taking a 13 yr old to a new school.

KathrynMD · February 2012

What kind of options are available on vacations, summer break, etc.

jlw2505 · February 2012

I pay around $10K a year for each of my girls schools (so around $20K a year for both)(one is a preschool based in a daycare center and the other is a PreK based at the elementary and run though the school district. Both are full time (open from 6:45am to 6PM so you can pick and choose your house). All meals are included, field trips included for the PreK program. The preschool is a play based preschool with the main lessons done during regular school hours and more daycare play in the morning and after 4. The PreK follows Regio Emillio which I love and feel has really been great for my DD.

JoannaJes · February 2012

Are there other choices besides the place you dont like and the Montessori school? I think the fact that you are debating between the two means your are not a die hard Montessori person. Otherwise, it wouldn't be a choice. Have you looked at any other preschools around you to see what you like?

penguingrrl · February 2012

I'm a huge fan of Montessori education, and 15K for that many hours would be a steal around here (we were looking at one that was 4 hours/day for 20K, full time was over 30K). I guess it depends on what it's worth to you, but 15K for daycare plus a Montessori education does not sound high to me.

Stella2008 · February 2012

KathrynMD:
What kind of options are available on vacations, summer break, etc.

The montessori has 3 3-week summer camp sessions that run around $900 each. Both my husband and I have flexible summer hours, so we may/may not do this. Plus, I can utilize 6 week of back up child care for only $10 per day through my company, so we might just piece vacations, breaks, etc. between DH, me, my MIL, and back up child care.

Stella2008 · February 2012

JoannaJes:
Are there other choices besides the place you dont like and the Montessori school? I think the fact that you are debating between the two means your are not a die hard Montessori person. Otherwise, it wouldn't be a choice. Have you looked at any other preschools around you to see what you like?

We looked at one other montessori-type (but not really, now that I am understanding the true montessori methods), but I really did not care for the teachers--during our visit, one teacher was doing paperwork while the other was reading to group of around 5 students--the other 12 or so kids were just running around crazy. There is also a true day care center not too far way, but DH hates the location (in kind of a bad area) so that was nixed too.

Ready4life · February 2012

We are touring a preschool tomorrow. It's only $125/month for 3 days - only 2 1/2hours a day though. But it's based out of a church (even though it's not religious based) and its a coop one, where parents take turns as teacher assistants. For a Montessori school that sounds average.

Want a personalized experience?

How much is too much for preschool?

Re: How much is too much for preschool?

Choose Another Board

Search Boards