The decisions you make for your children tell how you parent, what you want for your children, and what you prioritize. While there are so many factors that go into each decision, taking the time to think through what is not only best for your child, but overall what’s best for the entire family, can have a large impact on the peace and harmony in the home.

Just as with so many other decisions, deciding where your child will go for preschool takes thought to weigh the pros and cons of each school. One important first step is deciding if you will choose a public or private school for your preschooler.

Public preschool

While the state funds public preschools, this does not necessarily mean the quality of education is lower. Your child may have a passionate teacher who goes above and beyond what is required to ensure that your children love school. But some things to consider about a public preschool that may sway you one way or the other are:

• The cost is free for you
• The goal is to prepare your child for kindergarten
• Class sizes may be larger
• A teacher will lead a variety of planned lessons
• There may not be much flexibility for advanced students

Private preschool

Your child may have a specific interest or you may have a difficult time picturing your child sitting down in a classroom, making a private preschool a potential better option for your family. Private preschools do not have to follow the state’s standard and can choose to have a speciality focus.

For private schools that use a particular teaching philosophy, like Montessori schools, have a drastically different feel and expectation for students than public schools. A Montessori classroom is full of engaging materials and stations that teach students about real life consequences as well as problem solving skills. The students pursue skills and activities that capture their interests. Students end up learning things more thoroughly and putting in more time with a subject because they are curious about it and enjoy the challenge. A Montessori classroom is the perfect preschool for hands-on learners and students who want to develop their fine and gross motor skills.

While there may be more interesting and educational events available to your student at a private preschool, there is a cost involved that should be considered.

As you take the time to decide whether your child will attend a public or private preschool, you have several options in the latter to choose from in Danville, CA. If you are considering a Montessori preschool but would like to see what this philosophy looks like in action, give Fountainhead Montessori School a call today. You can observe a Montessori classroom to get a better idea if a Montessori preschool is right for your child.