If your child is turning 4 this year, you may be considering
enrolling him in a preschool or pre-K program. With many programs available of both types,
it's important to know the differences between the two, so that you can choose
the program that will best meet the needs of you and your child.
There are many factors that highlight the difference
between preschool and pre-K:
- Curriculum: Preschool tends to be more
play-based and is less regimented. Its purpose is to provide children with
a classroom experience before they actually enter elementary school. A
pre-K program typically has more educational standards, since the purpose
of pre-K is to prepare kids for kindergarten. The kids will do more
kindergarten-type work in class, and may be assigned light homework.
- Age Range: Preschool typically allows
children between the ages of 2 and 6. Some kids can attend up to 4 years
of preschool. However Pre-K programs are aimed at kids aged 4 and 5 and
last just one year prior to starting kindergarten.
- Funding: In recent years
there has been a big push for state funding of Pre-K programs while preschool
programs remain strictly private. Around 70% of Pre-K programs on closely
affiliated with an elementary school, which eases the transition for the
child from Pre-K to kindergarten. Many of these schools do indeed receive
state funding.
Are you interested in getting more information about our Montessori
preschool programs? Contact us today to schedule a tour
and we will be happy to answer any further questions you might have.
