Cost of pre school: Preschool: How much does it cost?

Preschool: How much does it cost?

The average cost of preschool for kids in the U.S. between the ages of 3 and 5 is around $10,000 per year. It’s hard to determine the exact number, since preschool costs vary according to where you live, what type of preschool you choose, and whether you opt for full-time or part-time hours. Do some research and ask around to figure out the average preschool costs in your area. If you need help paying for preschool, your family may qualify for scholarships or government-funded financial support.

As you probably know, childcare costs in the U.S. – including preschool costs – are astronomical these days. (In many states, daycare is more expensive than in-state public college tuition!)

Preschool is similar to daycare in cost and function. Both offer educational and social opportunities for young children, and serve the needs of working parents who require childcare during the day. Generally speaking, preschool is more academically oriented and offers more of a structured learning environment.

The focus of preschool is on developing social, emotional, academic, and life skills (here’s how to know if your child is ready for preschool). There are many different types of preschool programs. Some larger daycare centers have a preschool class, and there are a range of public and private preschool options, including Montessori schools and parent co-ops. Preschools may be play-based, focused on academic skills, or a mix of both.

Keep in mind that if you enroll your child in a preschool that’s not part of a daycare center, it’ll generally have shorter hours and be closed for more holidays, including during the summer. Most independent preschools operate on a September-May or September-June academic calendar, like elementary schools. This can be difficult for working parents, and may require the additional expense of an after-school or summer babysitter.

Here’s some information on the average preschool costs in various parts of the U.S., plus ideas and resources for making preschool more affordable for your family.

Average cost of preschool

Parents of kids ages 3 to 5 can expect to pay about $10,000 per year for preschool, according to Child Care Aware of America (CCAoA). The nonprofit surveys child care resource and referral organizations to determine the annual price of childcare for various provider types and age groups.

Preschool is generally less expensive than full-time care for an infant, since babies require more one-on-one attention from caregivers and the ratio of students to teacher is higher for younger children. But still, preschool is expensive – and unaffordable for many American families.

This is a known problem, and some states – including Florida, Vermont, and Oklahoma – offer universal (free) preschool. Some other states have subsidized or partially-free preschool or pre-K. But many do not.

It’s difficult to determine average preschool tuition prices. Costs vary widely and depend on a number of factors, including:

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• Where you live
• What type of preschool you choose
• How many hours a day/days a week your child will be in preschool

The most important factor to consider when figuring out the average cost of preschool is your location: Preschool costs more in states with higher wages and costs of living. For example, childcare for a 4-year-old in Massachusetts is $15,095 per year. Mississippi has the lowest childcare costs, with an average of $4,784 per year for a 4-year-old. Each of these numbers is for the 10-month academic year, not including the summer months.

The best way to figure out the costs of preschool in your area is to do research and ask around. Gather several quotes from different preschools so you can get a range of pricing. You can also contact your local Child Care Resource and Referral (CCR&R) agency, who can help you find options and resources for preschools near your home or work.

Online resources are very helpful, too. To find average preschool costs by state, check out the Economic Policy Institute’s childcare costs toolOpens a new window. Each state’s numbers are laid out by average costs per month and per year for both infants and 4-year-olds.

How to save on preschool costs

If you’re struggling with figuring out how you’ll afford preschool, here are a few ideas and resources for potentially saving money on your child’s early education.

Shop around. Before choosing a preschool for your child, research (and perhaps tour) a few of the options in your area, ask friends for recommendations, and compare pricing so you know what the current rate is for preschool in your area.

Consider a cooperative preschool. A cooperative preschool (co-op for short) is organized and maintained by a group of parents with similar interests and philosophies. Sometimes under the guidance of trained early childhood teachers (but sometimes not), parents help operate the co-op, and are hands-on in their child’s day-to-day learning. Parent-run cooperative preschools generally cost less, but require more of your time and may not be feasible if you work full-time.

Explore the option of transitional kindergarten. Typically, students eligible for transitional kindergarten, or TK, turn 5 between September and December. This year of schooling helps bridge the gap between preschool and kindergarten. California is currently the first state in the U.S. to roll out its state-funded transitional kindergarten program, but many other states offer TK for a monthly fee. TK is less expensive than private preschool but more expensive than public school (meaning it’s not free), so this could be a more cost-efficient option than traditional preschool if your child qualifies.

Inquire about a sibling discount. If you have two or more kids attending the same preschool, it isn’t unreasonable to ask the staff if they can offer you a discount on tuition. It may not be a buy one/get one free type of deal, but it’s certainly worth asking!

Ask if you can pay in installments. Some preschools operate on an installment plan, and the more quickly you pay the tuition in full – say in two installments rather than monthly – the less expensive it will be for you. In an effort to save on paperwork, many schools will charge interest if the tuition payments are spread out over a period of months, so ask your school what their payment policy is. While you’re at it, ask whether your school offers scholarship or tuition assistance, and whether your family qualifies.

Figure out if and how you can trim costs. Certain preschool add-ons can add up quickly, such as hot lunch, aftercare, transportation, or field trips. Think about whether or not you’re comfortable with your child opting out of any of these “extras” to save some money each month.

Consider having a family member watch your child part-time. If full-time preschool isn’t in the budget, consider sending your child to school part-time, and having a family member or sitter watch them the rest of the time.

Check your eligibility for state-funded preschool. Some states offer pre-K to eligible families at low or no cost. Select your state or territory on the ChildCare.gov “See Your State’s ResourcesOpens a new window” page and review the “Child Development and Early Learning” tab to see if public pre-K is available where you live.

Pay through a Flexible Spending Account (FSA). Though you can’t use money in a 529 plan for any educational expenses before kindergarten, some companies offer employees access to a Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account, which lets you use pre-tax dollars to pay for childcare. Ask your HR department if this is an option for you. It may not help you save money month-to-month on school expenses, but it can lower your tax liability at the end of the year.

Look for low-income support or assistance. Every state offers income-based assistance for those who apply and qualify that can help pay for or subsidize the cost of childcare. To find out what’s available in your state, check the database on Child Care AwareOpens a new window for a list of state-by-state resources. Other help is available through the Child Care Development FundOpens a new window and state-by-state Head StartOpens a new window programs, which are offered to families whose household income is below the poverty level.

Preschool Cost Breakdown: Average Tuition and Fees to Expect

Taking your little one to preschool is a huge milestone. It means they’re growing up and it’s time for them to start their educational journey in a school environment. If you’ve decided to look into preschool for your child, you may wonder, how much does preschool cost? Read on to learn more about what you can expect to pay when sending your child to preschool. 

How Much Does Preschool Cost?

In many cases, preschool costs money. While there are some free, public preschool programs through school districts and community organizations, the average cost of preschool in the U.S. sits at $889 per month, according to the Center for American Policy. This amounts to an average of $10,668 per year. 

Preschool costs generally come in the form of program fees or tuition. The funds go toward maintaining the facilities, paying the staff and educators, providing snacks, and other operational expenses. 

This average cost of preschool is just that — an average. The actual costs vary widely from state to state and even city to city. Arizona boasts an average monthly preschool cost of $787 per month coming in below the national average. Washington D.C., however, has one of the highest national averages for child care costs coming in at $1,372 per month for preschool. 

Costs by Preschool Type

When trying to determine how much preschool costs, you’ll want to consider the type of preschool you want them to go to. You have a number of options on this front including specialized private preschools, bilingual preschools, public preschool programs, Montessori preschools, and more. Here’s a look at some of the most popular preschool types and their respective costs. 

Public Preschool Cost

Some areas have public preschools associated with the local school districts. These programs aren’t offered everywhere, so you’ll want to do some research to see if any public programs are available in your area. Because these programs are publicly funded, parents don’t have to pay any tuition or fees. These programs may be half-day or full-day programs, and typically have slightly larger class sizes than private preschools. 

Private Preschool Cost

Private preschools are owned privately and may lean into a specific specialty or focus area. Some private preschools focus on language immersion and teaching children to speak a second language. Other private preschools are operated by churches or religious organizations, offering an educational experience that incorporates religious values and principles. 

The primary determinant for private preschool cost is the location, program itself, and program length. Some private preschools offer year-long programs. Others may offer 9-10 month programs. Many private preschools also offer both full-day and half-day programs.

As a general rule, full-day and full-year programs are typically more expensive than half-day and partial-year programs. The average annual cost of preschool for full-time, full-year programs is $13,655 per child.  

Montessori Preschool Cost

Montessori preschool programs, which follow the Montessori method developed by Dr. Maria Montessori, are another segment of private preschools. These programs focus on self-directed, hands-on learning, encouraging children to play, explore, and be curious. Tuition for Montessori preschools is set by each individual school. However, Montessori preschool costs often range from $5,000 to $20,000 per year.

Why Preschool Is Worth The Investment

It’s no secret that preschool costs can add up. But, is it worth the investment? Countless research shows that yes, it is. Children who attend preschool are consistently more prepared for Kindergarten than their counterparts who did not attend. Additionally, studies show children who attend preschool reap the benefits of their preschool education long into adulthood. Investing in preschool is investing in your child’s future and setting them up for success. 

Affording Preschool for Your Child

If you want to send your child to preschool but are concerned about the cost, now is the perfect time to do your research. Hop online to see if your local school district has a public preschool program. Additionally, look into your company’s benefits package. Some organizations have corporate discount programs or childcare programs that may apply to preschool. 

Then, take advantage of any child care tax credits you may be eligible for. You may be able to receive cash to apply toward preschool for your children. Additionally, some states have child care subsidy programs that can help fund preschool. Learn more about what resources are available in your state. 

Your Choices When It Comes To Preschool

As a parent, you get to choose if, when, and where your child attends preschool. As you’re doing your research, consider Cadence Education. Cadence has a network of more than 250 excellent private preschools and elementary schools throughout the United States. 

Your child will be able to learn, play, and grow in an environment that’s safe, nurturing, and filled with staff that is dedicated to your child’s success. If you’ve already experienced the Cadence Education difference, share the love. You can earn a $100 credit toward your child’s tuition when someone you refer enrolls at Cadence Education. 

Contact Cadence Education today to learn more about our preschool programs and how you can get started today!

Article 65. Fees collected from parents (legal representatives) for the supervision and care of children studying educational programs of preschool education in organizations engaged in educational activities \ ConsultantPlus

A revised version of the document has been prepared with changes that have not entered into force

Article 65. Payment collected from parents (legal representatives) for supervision and care of children mastering educational programs of preschool education in organizations engaged in educational activities

1. Pre-school educational organizations provide supervision and care for children. Other organizations carrying out educational activities for the implementation of educational programs of preschool education have the right to supervise and care for children.

2. For looking after and caring for a child, the founder of an organization carrying out educational activities establishes a fee charged from parents (legal representatives) (hereinafter referred to as the parental fee), and its amount, unless otherwise established by this Federal Law. The founder has the right to reduce the size of the parental fee or not to collect it from certain categories of parents (legal representatives) in cases and in the manner determined by him. In the event that the care and supervision of a child in an organization carrying out educational activities is paid by the founder, the parental fee is not established.

(Part 2 as amended by Federal Law No. 198-FZ of June 29, 2015)

(see the text in the previous edition)

parental care, as well as for children with tuberculosis intoxication studying in state and municipal educational organizations that implement the educational program of preschool education, parental fees are not charged.

4. It is not allowed to include expenses for the implementation of the educational program of pre-school education, as well as expenses for the maintenance of real estate of state and municipal educational organizations implementing the educational program of pre-school education, in the parental fee for the supervision and care of a child in such organizations. The size of the parental fee for childcare and childcare in state and municipal educational organizations cannot be higher than its maximum amount established by the regulatory legal acts of the constituent entity of the Russian Federation for each municipality located on its territory, depending on the conditions of childcare and childcare.

(as amended by Federal Law No. 198-FZ of June 29, 2015)

(see the text in the previous edition)

parents (legal representatives) are compensated. The amount of compensation is established by laws and other regulatory legal acts of the constituent entities of the Russian Federation and should not be less than twenty percent of the average parental fee for childcare and care in state and municipal educational institutions located on the territory of the corresponding constituent entity of the Russian Federation for the first child, at least fifty percent of the amount of such fee for the second child, not less than seventy percent of the amount of such fee for the third child and subsequent children. The average size of the parental fee for childcare and childcare in state and municipal educational organizations is established by the state authorities of the constituent entity of the Russian Federation. The right to receive compensation has one of the parents (legal representatives) who paid the parental fee for the care and care of children in the relevant educational organization. When providing compensation, public authorities of the constituent entities of the Russian Federation have the right to establish criteria of need by laws and other regulatory legal acts of the constituent entities of the Russian Federation.

(Part 5 as amended by Federal Law No. 388-FZ of December 29, 2015)

(see the text in the previous edition)

are established by state authorities of the constituent entities of the Russian Federation.

Consultant Plus: note.

Single standard, approved. Government of the Russian Federation in accordance with Part. 6.1 of Art. 65, is applied on the territory of Moscow, taking into account par. 22 art. 4 Law of the Russian Federation of 04/15/1993 N 4802-1 (FZ of December 29, 2022 N 614-FZ).

6.1. The Government of the Russian Federation, in accordance with the Federal Law of July 27, 2010 N 210-FZ “On the organization of the provision of state and municipal services”, approves a single standard for the provision of state and (or) municipal services provided for by Part 5 of this Article, subject to compliance by the executive authorities of the constituent entities of the Russian Federation, local governments, organizations subordinate to them when providing such a service.

(Part 6.1 was introduced by Federal Law No. 614-FZ of December 29, 2022)

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