the Cost of Preschool at a Church

This is the price I paid for one month of preschool tuition at a private, church-run preschool for my four year old son. This price includes supplies such as paper, pencils, erasers, crayons, paint, and glue; and tuition money also goes towards paying the salaries of two part-time teachers and one preschool director. The school accepts four and five year olds. Morning and afternoon sessions are offered, at three hours' duration each.

Although it might be more expensive than other preschools in the area, this preschool is far superior. The teachers are highly qualified and dedicated to the children. Class size is kept to a maximum of twenty. The children, at only ages four and five, study a different letter of the alphabet each week and a different number from one to twenty each week. They are even given homework on the letter of the week to take home and practice writing letters. My son has learned so much in one year of preschool at this school, much more, I think, than he would have learned at other preschools in the area. This preschool really prepares the child for kindergarten.

Research preschools thoroughly, and don't use only tuition price as your guide. Check on the teachers' qualifications, teacher to student ratio, curriculum, and security of the school. Are the doors always kept locked? If possible, sit in on a class session with your child to gauge his or her reaction to the environment and so that you can get a better idea of what really goes on in a school day.