Choosing the Right Preschool

Choosing a preschool for your child is more about finding the right fit for your family and your child than finding the “perfect” school. Finding the best fit for your child and your family is the ultimate goal of the admissions process. It is about finding a learning environment where your daughter can thrive and grow and where the mission and philosophy of the school match the educational goals and values of your family.

When choosing a preschool, here are a few things to consider:

The Logistics (schedule, cost, location)

Schedule
Preschools offer either full or half-day programs and between 3-5 days a week. When choosing your child’s preschool, taking a look at your family’s schedule will help you to decide on a program that works best for your family.

Location
Explore schools that are local and offer practical commutes from your home or office. Since socializing is important for young children, you may want to choose a school where you will be more likely to engage with other families for play dates to continue their friendships outside school as well.

Cost
Before choosing a preschool, you will want to determine the best budget for your family. Knowing the program options will help you see the ways each one will affect your family. Check with the school to see if they offer financial aid packages.

The Environment

When looking at a preschool for your child, it goes without saying that you would expect the school and the classroom to be clean and orderly. But you also want your child’s classroom to be welcoming and a fun place to be. There should be a balance of quiet areas and play.

Is it a faith-based school? If yes, there should be signs of this in the classroom as well.

The Teachers

On a school tour, it is nice to visit a classroom in which you can observe the teachers at work and see how they interact with their students. You want to look for a teacher who is enthusiastic and engaging her students, creating a welcoming and warm environment for them to thrive.

Your Child

Think about your child and what kind of environment she thrives in best. You know your child better than anyone. And you know what makes her excited to learn and what could also make her nervous.

Does your child have a need for special attention? Does she do better with more structure in the classroom or more play or a well-balanced schedule? Thinking about your child’s personality helps you to formulate questions and opinions when going on tours.

As you begin to understand each school’s philosophy, compare your child’s individual goals with those in each program. In addition, consider your family’s long-term educational goals and your relationship to the school community. Is the school part of a larger school community or an individual preschool?

There are many things to consider when choosing a preschool for your child. You don’t need to meet every goal on your list to find the right program. Your willingness to choose a school that best fits your family and your child’s individual needs and goals is your top priority.

At Villa Maria Academy Lower School, we understand your desire to place your daughter in an environment where she will develop and flourish to become the confident and competent young woman God has created her to be. Our objective is to ensure that all of our preschool students are best placed for success and to provide them with a learning environment where they will develop and grow to be their best selves.

We look forward to meeting you and your child as we guide you through this process.