Private vs. Public Preschool: Understanding the Differences and What’s Best for Your Child 

Pre-K is more than just daycare. A quality early childhood education program, like an accredited pre-K, uses research-based curriculum designed to nurture the cognitive and social development of children under age five. Both public and private pre-K uses age-appropriate teaching strategies to maximize learning in the key developmental window of early childhood.

Choosing the right pre-K program is a crucial — and sometimes daunting — family decision. One major part is choosing between public preschool or a private program. This article will take you through the basic differences, pros, and cons between public and private early education to help you inform that decision. 

Understanding the Basics of Pre-K Education 

Pre-K is an early childhood education program that helps kids from 3-5 years old develop language, thinking, self-control, and self-confidence skills before they enter kindergarten. Research shows that the skills promoted in quality ECE programs – cognition, emotional regulation, literacy, self-care – are intertwined. According to a report by the National Bureau of Economic Research, “These dynamic relationships make early life an important period because it lays the foundation for building skills later in life.” Pre-K programs with accredited curriculums, like ours at Casa de Corazón, are proven to promote better outcomes into adulthood. 

Pre-K is also an important part of kindergarten readiness. A child is considered ready for kindergarten when they can participate in both the educational and social aspects of the classroom. Quality pre-K is one of the best ways to make sure your child is kindergarten ready. At Casa de Corazón, we approach pre-K from a whole-child perspective. This means academic, social, physical, and emotional development are linked together to best help kids reach these key milestones.  

Overview of Public Pre-K 

Public pre-K is a type of public education. These programs are funded by the government, are often local and low-cost or no-cost. They will likely be affiliated with a school system in your area. Despite the ideals of public education, all public preschool programs are, unfortunately, still not created equal. Here are some potential pros and cons of a public pre-K: 

Pros of Public Pre-K Programs 

1. Affordability: Childcare is becoming more and more expensive over time. Public pre-K is meant to provide an equal opportunity for all children to reap the developmental benefits of pre-K, even if a private program is financially out of reach for their family.  

2. Standardized Curriculum: Public pre-K usually works with a standardized curriculum, meaning that it is based on some level of research and/or wider educational framework chosen by the government. 

3. Greater Accessibility: Public preschool exists for all children in a community. This means that no one gets left behind due to financial concerns. There are also accommodations for disability, free or reduced meals, and transportation to and from school – by law.  

Cons of Public Pre-K Programs

1. Limited Availability: Unfortunately, some areas do not have enough room for everyone in pre-K. This means that your child may not be able to begin attending public pre-K when you want them to, due to age restrictions and waitlists. 

2. Larger class sizes: Public preschool classrooms hold more students, on average, than private preschools. This means that in a public preschool setting your child may not receive as much individualized attention. 

3. Less Flexibility: Due to their publicly funded nature, public pre-K curriculums are more rigid than private curriculums. They may be more focused on traditional classroom methods, like memorization. 

4. Variable Quality: Not all public schools are funded and staffed equally. Depending on your area, the quality of public preschool may be lower than average due to local education policy and funding ability. 

Overview of Private Preschool Programs

Private Pre-K refers to a learning center program that is privately funded and operated. It is usually a tuition-based option, in which caregivers pay for their child’s place at the school. Private pre-Ks are more diverse in their curriculum options since they are not regulated by the government. Private pre-Ks include religious schools, Montessori programs, and other special focus programs that are usually not available to children in the public school system. 

Pros of Private Preschool Programs 

1. Smaller Class Sizes:  Smaller class sizes in private preschool mean that your teacher gets to know your child better. Individualized care and academic responses for each student lead to better outcomes later in the academic career.  

2. Higher-Quality Curriculum & Enrichment Opportunities: Curriculums at private preschools can be highly customizable and are usually more enhanced than that of public schools. Specialized programs are common — such as our Spanish immersion program at Casa de Corazón — allowing your family to choose an educational pathway that feels most aligned with your values. 

3. Highly Qualified Teachers & Staff: High-quality private pre-K programs tend to attract more qualified and experienced educators who are better compensated for their work than their public-school counterparts. 

4. More Parental Involvement & Communication: Due to the flexibility of the private preschool structure, communication is often easier and more technologically up to date than that of public schools. 

5. Stronger Focus on Holistic Development: Some private preschools, like Casa, put more emphasis on the whole child model as a core value. This means that social-emotional learning, creativity, and problem-solving are linked to help kids grow in a well-rounded way.  

Cons of Private Preschool Programs 

1. Higher Cost & Financial Considerations: Tuition can be expensive and may not be feasible for all families. Private preschools may have limited access to government-funded subsidies, grants, or financial aid, making their tuition that much higher. 

2. Varied Curriculum & Standards: While flexibility is an advantage, it also means curriculums and teaching quality can vary widely between schools and types of preschools. Not all private pre-Ks follow state-mandated educational standard. This means that parents must do their own research to vet the quality and standards of a private program. 

3. Admission Requirements & Availability: Some private programs have selective admission processes due to limited space, particularly in high-demand areas. 

4. Location & Transportation Challenges: Private preschools often offer fewer locations than public schools. Attending private school may require longer commutes while transportation may not be provided through the center, as it is for public school goers. 

Public vs. Private Preschool: Which Is Better?

There are significant advantages to the flexibility and customizable nature of a private preschool. Your child will likely experience more one-on-one attention, a more enriching curriculum, and a greater degree of parental involvement. Public school, however, has the benefit of affordability and more stringent regulations around curriculum and teacher qualifications. 

Factors to Consider for Private vs Public Preschool Programs 

Deciding on the right daycare for your child is a big decision. There are many factors that might influence the decision to educate your child either publicly or privately. Some questions you may ask yourself when deciding between a public and private preschool are:

Is this an environment where my child can thrive and grow socially, emotionally, and academically? Does this school align with my values and future goals for my child? 

• If private, does this school align with my budget? Is this school available in my area? Is it conveniently located? 
• Is this school safe? Is this school clean? Does this school provide healthy, balanced meals and enrichment activities? Is this school inclusive? 
• If private, is this school’s curriculum — like Casa’s — accredited by the NAEYC?
• If public, how many of the teachers are certified?
• For both private & public preschools, are the educators and staff vetted, qualified, and well-reviewed? 
• How does this school keep parents informed and involved? What tools do they use for active communication with parents?  

Making an Informed Choice for Your Child’s Future

In short, the decision to send your child to either a public school or a private preschool program is personal and complex. There is no clear-cut or one-size-fits-all answer for every family. However, thinking about finances, curriculum, values, qualifications, and location is a good place to start. The highest quality preschool education available will always be from an accredited, well-reviewed, values-driven private center, like Casa de Corazón. Before making any decisions, parents should visit multiple schools. Asking these questions of yourself and of multiple preschools will help you make the choice that fulfills both your child’s needs and your family’s priorities.