Private or Public Preschool—What Are the Key Differences?

Private or public? Close to home or a little farther away, but with a program that suits us particularly well? A large group or a more intimate setting? When choosing a preschool, you quickly realize that there are far more questions than answers. And that’s no surprise at all. Your child will spend a significant part of the day there, meeting new people, making their first friends, learning independence, and discovering the world outside the home.

Therefore, instead of focusing solely on whether a private or public preschool is better, it’s worth taking a closer look at how the two options differ and which one better meets the needs of our child and the entire family.

Private and public preschools—what exactly do they have in common?

Although public and private preschools differ in many ways, they also share many common features. Above all, both types of institutions are designed to support children’s development, prepare them for the next stages of education, and provide them with a safe environment for learning, playing, and interacting with others on a daily basis.

Both public and private preschools follow the core curriculum for preschool education. This means that children acquire specific skills and knowledge regardless of the type of preschool their parents choose. In both cases, teachers must also have the appropriate qualifications.

However, everyday life in preschool involves much more than simply following the core curriculum. Play, physical activity, rest, developing independence, building relationships with other children, and exploring the world around them all play an important role.

The biggest differences between public and private preschools therefore usually concern not the fundamental goals of preschool education, but the way in which those goals are achieved. Individual facilities may differ in terms of, among other things, group size, extracurricular programs, teaching methods, hours of operation, and the organization of daily activities.

How much does a private preschool cost, and how much does a public one cost?

Cost is one of the most obvious differences. Public preschools provide at least 5 hours a day of free instruction, education, and care. Depending on the child’s age and applicable rules, additional costs may include, among other things, meals or care beyond the free hours.

At a private preschool, parents usually pay monthly tuition. However, it’s worth checking not only the total cost, but above all what exactly is included in that amount. Are extracurricular activities included in the price? English classes? Care provided by specialists? Field trips? Sports activities? Or do you have to pay extra for some of them? Only by comparing the full scope of what’s offered can you truly assess the costs.

Are the classes smaller at a private preschool?

Often, it is precisely these small class sizes that are one of the reasons parents begin to consider a private preschool. However, this is not the case for every school.

A smaller group can make it easier for the teacher to observe the needs of individual children and provide more opportunities for one-on-one interaction. For some preschoolers, especially those who need more time to get used to a new place, a calmer environment can also be helpful during the adjustment period.

W kindergarten ItsyBitsy We know very well that every little one is different and needs different kinds of support. We strive to make the adjustment process as smooth as possible. Every child needs time to feel at ease in a new place. Sometimes our children feel right at home with us after just a few days, while others need a little more time and attention. Regardless, we believe that a smooth adjustment is the key to success.

Preschool curriculum—there can be really big differences here

This is one of the most interesting aspects of the entire comparison. Preschools can implement the core curriculum in a wide variety of ways. Some focus on sports, others on languages, contact with nature, the arts, or fostering independence. There are also preschools that operate according to specific educational philosophies, such as the Montessori method.

At ItsyBitsy, the Montessori approach is one of the cornerstones of our daily work with children. A prepared environment, specially designed materials, and a teacher who acts as a guide help children gradually develop independence and explore new areas of knowledge at their own pace.

You can read more about this in our guide:

• Montessori teacher as observer and guide.
• Extra curricular activities in a Montessori kindergarten.
• What does a day at a Montessori preschool look like?

English once a week or English as part of everyday life?

Another difference between preschools may be the approach to teaching foreign languages. At one preschool, this might involve short lessons held a few times a week. At another, the language might come up naturally in everyday situations.

This is how it works at ItsyBitsy. English isn’t just another item on the schedule here. Children are also exposed to it during everyday activities, play, and time spent together. Thanks to this, a foreign language can become something natural—a tool for communication—rather than just material to be taught in class.

Extracurricular Activities—It’s Worth Looking Beyond Just the Number of Them

A long list of activities is impressive, but more activities don’t always mean a better program. It’s better to consider whether the activities make sense in the context of the child’s entire day. After all, a young child also needs time for free play, interacting with other children, rest, and… simply being bored.

That’s why, when comparing preschools, it’s a good idea to ask not only, „What kinds of activities do you offer?” but also, „What is a typical day like for the children?” The second question often reveals much more about the school.

What about the adaptation?

The first few days of preschool are important, whether you choose a private or public school. Your child is entering a new environment, meeting new adults and other children, and getting used to a completely new daily routine. Some little ones run into the classroom on their very first morning without looking back, while others need much more time. Both are perfectly fine.

That’s why it’s a good idea to find out how a particular preschool approaches the adjustment process. Is it a gradual process? Does it take the child’s temperament into account? How does the preschool communicate with parents? What happens when a child is having a tough day?

Want to know even more? Check out what it looks like Montessori-style adaptation in preschool.

How to Choose a Good Preschool? 7 Questions to Ask

Parents usually prepare a long list of questions. In practice, however, it turns out that many of them slip our minds or aren’t as important as we might have initially thought. Sometimes the opposite happens, too, because the most important questions don’t occur to us until later. Here is a list of 7 questions that may prove very useful for parents of future preschoolers.

• How large are the groups?
• How many teachers work with a given group?
• What is the process of a child's adjustment like?
• What is a typical day like at preschool?
• How does the facility handle emotions and conflicts among the children?
• What exactly does the tuition cover?
• How do parents receive information about their child's progress?

What to Check Before Enrolling Your Child—A Checklist to Bring With You

✓ group size
✓ method of adaptation
✓ Staff qualifications and retention
✓ Hours of operation
✓ curriculum and teaching methods
✓ extracurricular activities
✓ meals
✓ total costs
✓ How to Communicate with Parents
✓ the atmosphere during the visit

Public or private preschool—which is better for a child?

There is no single answer that works for every family. A good public preschool can be a great place for a child. Similarly, not every private preschool will automatically meet our needs just because it’s not public. That’s why, when making your choice, it’s worth setting aside the labels „public” and „private” for a moment and asking yourself a different question:

Do I picture my child right here?

For one child, a small group setting will be especially important. For another, the opportunity to move freely and explore their surroundings. Yet another child will love exposure to English or a teaching approach based on the Montessori method. The best preschool is one where the child’s needs align with the values and expectations of their family.