Determining the Right Toddler, Primary and Preschool for You

As children grow from infant to toddler, parents must make the first set of important choices with and for their children…what type of preschool should they send their child to?

Differences in San Diego Toddler, Primary and Preschools

To begin, there are three separate types—legacy, faith-based and private Montessori schools.

Legacy schools are elite private programs at places like La Jolla Country Day in UTC, Francis Parker School in Mission Hills, and Warren-Walker in Point Loma. These top-tier schools have been Top 1% academic centers for decades and have outstanding reputations. Country Day and Parker feature programs that go all the way to senior high school. Costs start at $18,000/yr. 

Faith-based schools are often run by local churches and include Catholic, Protestant, or Jewish teaching options. They are the least expensive option.

Private Montessori schools base their curriculum on the 110 year-old teaching methods of Maria Montessori which allows kids to learn at their own speed, to learn from their peers and to begin a process of lifelong learning, independence, and self-awareness. These schools cost in the range of $14,000/yr.

Core Questions for Parents

Now that we know the differences in schools, it’s time to do our homework on the web. 

For example, 

• What are our choices located relative to where we work and live? 

• Where do our neighbors send their children? 

• Are the San Diego toddler, primary and preschools we’re looking at accredited?

• What about the teachers? What types of degrees, licenses and experience do they have?

• What are the dates, hours and overall schedules?

• What is the philosophy of the school relative to our own belief system?

• What can we afford?

Taking a Tour

Next, comes the fun part: making a list, booking a tour and visiting our top choices. 

While on tour, we can observe classrooms, students and teachers. We can talk with teachers and ask questions of administrators. 

So, let’s take notes:

• What does the facility look like? 

• Does it have a playground or garden?

• What about the kitchens?

• How engaged are the children with each other?

• How engaged are the children with their teachers?

• Lots of materials?

• What’s on the walls?

• Music, art, dance and gym offerings?

Hopefully, you’ll visit each school on your list—and maybe one more that’s not on your list just for comparison purposes.

Internal Post-Tour Discussion

After your school visit, discuss what you liked and didn’t like with your partner. 

• Did you get a good overall feeling?

• Was the general attitude of administrators and teachers?

• What didn’t work for us?

• How do the religious and monetary components factor in?

• And, most importantly, what type of child do we have? 

• Given our child’s likes and skills (even at this early age), will he or she flourish in a more individualized setting like a Montessori school or in a larger group setting?

How The Montessori Method is Different

What makes private Montessori schools different? Here are several reasons:

• The Montessori Method allows children to empower and educate themselves

• All children learn differently and Montessori encourages observing each child to determine and employ what works best for them

• Students are treated  with trust and respect

• Students develop self-discipline and problem solving skills without the use of punishment or rewards

• Learning is not stationary and you’ll be hard pressed to find rows of desks

• Children learn in a positive and peaceful way from highly experienced, degree professional teachers

Summary

Whatever your choice, enjoy your search! There are hundreds of toddler, preschool and primary schools in San Diego prior to First Grade. Relish your task to find the one that works for you—and most importantly, for your child. We hope you’ll consider Montessori for your child’s preschool!