Navigating Your Pre-K Options: Public, Private, or Virtual 

When your little one approaches preschool age, it may seem like every time you blink, they change by leaps and bounds. You might witness an explosion of new words or overnight growth spurts, not to mention a blossoming personality as they may become more sociable, brave, and independent. That’s because kids at this age are at a critical point in their development, making pre-k a key component of their growth. 

From birth to age 5, a child’s brain undergoes rapid development, and their experiences profoundly impact this process. At ages 4 and 5, children start to grasp flexible self-control and explore their personal autonomy and behavioral limits. Their social skills become more complex as they engage in creative and thematic play with multiple peers. Given this crucial developmental stage, research shows that pre-k can greatly reinforce social and cognitive skills, providing benefits that extend into adulthood.  

While pre-k is not mandatory in the U.S., studies show that children who experience a structured learning environment before kindergarten are generally better prepared for school. Pre-k can help build foundational knowledge in subjects like math and reading and enhances fine motor skills, leading to improved long-term academic success, including higher test scores and stronger math abilities.   

How to Choose the Right Pre-K Program 

When the time comes to choose a pre-k for your little one, you’ve got a lot to consider. Does your state offer public pre-k, and if not, will you choose a private center-based or home-based program or virtual pre-k? You also need to factor in some common challenges, including lengthy waitlists, lottery systems, high tuition and fees, and lengthy commutes to reach desirable programs.  

To help you further understand your options, let’s look at the different types of pre-k available: 

Universal or Public Pre-K 

A handful of states offer universal pre-k, which is a state-funded program where age is the only criterion for enrollment. For a program to be considered universal pre-k, it must be available in all school districts within the state, have sufficient funding to support the enrollment of all students, and be accessible to families regardless of income or location. States that have achieved universal pre-k status by enrolling at least 70% of 4-year-olds in pre-k include Florida, Iowa, Oklahoma, West Virginia, and Wisconsin, as well as the District of Columbia. 

Some states claim to offer pre-k but have funding and enrollment limitations, meaning not every student that applies may secure a spot. Georgia, for instance, has a lottery system that you must undergo for enrollment. States that are working toward achieving universal pre-k status include Arkansas, California, Georgia, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, New Mexico, New York, South Carolina, and Texas. 

If universal pre-k is an option in your state, here are some things to consider: 

• There is no cost to attend. 

• Class sizes are typically larger than private pre-k programs. 

• Most adhere to a standard school schedule, with specific drop-off and pick-up times. 

• There are attendance requirements, and students may lose their spot if they miss too many school days. 

Private Pre-K 

Private pre-k programs can be center-based or home-based. Typically, these programs tend to offer smaller class sizes, more one-to-one instruction, and flexibility in the daily schedule when compared to universal pre-k. Parents can also choose programs that are faith-based or follow a structured educational method, such as Montessori or Waldorf. 

Price is often a significant factor when choosing a private pre-k, as these programs require tuition and fees. The Women’s Bureau in the U.S. Department of Labor estimated in 2022, center-based program prices per child ranged from $6,949 to $12,307 per year and home-based programs ranged from $6,171 to $10,045 per year. 

Other factors to consider when researching private pre-k options: 

• There may be some flexibility in a school’s curriculum, or you may find options that align with your family’s beliefs, culture, or educational preferences. 

• Many programs offer half- or full-day options, as well as 2-, 3-, or 5-day options. 

• There tend to be waitlists, so add your name as soon as possible if you want your child to attend. 

• Depending on your location, there could be heavy traffic during drop-off and pick-up, so you’ll want to consider the overall commute. 

• Some private schools have strict toilet training requirements, and a student can lose their spot if they exceed the maximum number of toileting incidents. 

Virtual Pre-K 

At K12-powered online schools, pre-k students participate in an interactive classroom environment supported by active parental involvement and credentialed teachers who lead short, segmented live sessions. Students are actively engaged in hands-on lessons, such as a science lesson when they get to plant seeds and carefully tend to the soil, watching as the seeds sprout into plants. Students also interact with their classmates through activities that foster sharing, friendship, and collaboration.   

In virtual pre-k, an open line of communication exists between parents and the school, which allows parents to have a voice in their child’s education and receive detailed feedback on their progress.  

Many parents who explore virtual pre-k are interested in the student-centric and flexible learning environment that can be customized to suit their child—all from the comfort of home. A recent study showed that 52% of parents want the ability to direct and curate their child’s education, and 51% said that learning should be driven by the child’s specific interests and needs. Not to mention, many of the challenges associated with traditional pre-k programs are not an issue in the virtual environment, such as grappling with a commute, waitlist, or toilet training. 

If you’re exploring virtual pre-k, here are some things to consider: 

• A parent will need to be home and able to participate in schooling with their child. 

• You do not need to worry about a commute or traffic—school is conducted from home. 

• You have the opportunity to be involved and have a voice in their education. 

• If you feel that your child is not yet ready for a structured classroom environment, this will help prepare them for kindergarten without the struggles of separation anxiety or toilet training concerns. 

Regardless of the type of pre-k you choose for your child, attending a structured learning environment before kindergarten will benefit them now and in the future. While you may question whether they’re ready to go to school, or you feel uncertain sending them to a traditional classroom, there are options that can fit the lifestyle and needs of your family. Start your research today, tour schools, and find the right option for you and your little one. 

To learn more about K12-powered online schools’ pre-k program, go to K12.com.