How much would you pay for preschool?

[MariesMama]

Our area has no cohesive preschool program.  There are a few programs, ranging from two days a week for two hours, to five half-days a week.  DD is 3.5 and our family is ready for her to be in school.  She is ecstatic ... except that I can't seem to get her in anywhere. 

I am meeting with the director of the Montessori school tomorrow.  The only issue is the price - $340 per month.  Would you pay this?  I have no idea what is reasonable, we could swing it without too much difficulty but some of my friends are shocked and appalled that it costs this much.  We do live in a very low COL area.

What would you do?

[rcr]

For five days a week from 8 am To noon - $350.00. I thought that was cheap. It is montassori.

[seawitch]

We're going to pay 240 a month for three full days a week. It's not Montessori nor Waldorf nor any other big "name" but it's somewhat alternative - kids spend lots of time outdoors in a playscape etc.

[Caitlin0919]

The montessori we're looking at for DD charges $110/week for 5 full days a week, which would be about $440 a month.

[sparklett]

Yes, I would absolutely pay that for a Montessori program.  It's a deal.

We live in a low COL area and preschool ranges from $120/month for 2 days a week up to $850 a month for 5 day Montessori.  DS is in a 3 day program that's 3 days a week and runs $380 a month.   I got a job at the museum where DS attends preschool and now the tuition is free as an employee perk.  I can't begin to explain what a load off my mind that one is.

One thing I've noticed is that price does not always translate into a better program.  Our local charter school offers a 3 day program that's just $120 a month.  It's a private program and is simply fabulous.  If I wasn't getting preschool for free this year, that's where I'd send DS.

[Shakti77]

I think maybe we should move to USA... My DD is in a montessori and we pay 900 a month + 100 for before/after care + 120 for lunch everyday!

All montessoris cost this much in Toronto and surrounding areas. :(

[CarrieMF]

Here there are only play based private playschools or the headstart program(which you need to apply for).  3yo's go one day a week for 2 hours, 4yo's go 2 days a week for 2 hours.  For a 4yo it is about $900 for the YEAR.

[swd12422]

That's inexpensive for a Montessori program, and we live in a relatively low COL area too. If you like the program for her, I'd say it's worth it, assuming you can afford it!

[midstreammama]

The Montessori school we sent our children to costs almost $900 a month for four full days and one half day a week. This is the cheapest one in the area, the area is pretty low col in comparison to some other places that I have checked. So, I would say it is a deal. Although, anyone can call themselves Montessori so if that is what you are really looking for, I would make ure the philosophy is good enough for you at that school.

[nikkiethridge]

For a 2 day a week Montessori we paid $360 with a $75 supply fee every fall and spring. 

[MariesMama]

Oh good, I'm not crazy.  The director made it sound like they are accredited (is that the word I'm looking for?) and she sounds very enthusiastic about Montessori.

I'll update after the meeting!  Thank you!

[Caitlin0919]

Definitely make sure it's a "true" Montessori. There's a chain of daycare centers in my hometown that call themselves Montessori, but they don't actually follow the Montessori philosophy. The just use the name so parents will be more likely to send their kids there. Plus, they charge more than the other centers. The teacher at DD's pre-school actually got out all her handbooks for the various subjects for us to look over when we met with her and she's taught Montessori for many years previous to opening her own pre-school so we know she's legit. Good luck!

[MariesMama]

Oh wow ... it was amazing!  It is a true Montessori school, the director is accredited with AMI and everything.  I'm so excited now!

[PennyRoo]

I dunno about Montessori prices but as compared to other preschool prices I would say that is a STEAL.  We are in the north east, so a considerably higher COL than other parts of the country, but the least expensive thing around here is a cooperative nursery school that I think is several mornings a week (certainly not 5), from about 9 - 12, and costs $3000/year (10 months, really), on top of the time parents need to put in to it.  Montessori is very trendy here and the preschools are charging top dollar . . . well over $1000/month.

I am thrilled that I was able to find a sweet parochial school near us with a very good reputation that has added preschool to its offerings.  For full time (8:15 - 2:15, 5 days/week) we will pay $160/week, which is literally unheard of here.

Can you see why child care has been our single biggest expense?  I guess it really does depend on the area - would be curious to hear if others in urban northeast area, or expensive west coast areas with high COLs chime in similarly.

[Ruthiegirl]

That is a great deal!   We pay $120 a week or $480 a month (5 days a week) for a non-Montessori preschool.  Love, love, love this little school and ds is very happy there, but it is a big expense for us.  

[lilyka]

The preschool I worked at has a bunch of different programs.  

Their 2 year old class is 2 days for about 2 hours.  $43 a month

3 days/half days is $129

4 days/half days $179

pre K 5 days/half days $196

kindergarten 5 days/half day $219 

There is also a supply fee and registration fee.

There is nothing special about this program.  Its basic preschool.

[Drummer's Wife]

We pay $600 a month for our 4 yr old for Montessori. It's all day, though, so that's a good price.

[ilovemygirl]

Even in a LCOL area that is a fair price for an accredited Montessori school. 

[Paxjourney]

Montessori 3-4 days a week 9-12:30 we averaged I thin $200-275 a month per kid.

[Turquesa]

Originally Posted by Shakti77 

I think maybe we should move to USA... My DD is in a montessori and we pay 900 a month + 100 for before/after care + 120 for lunch everyday!

All montessoris cost this much in Toronto and surrounding areas. :(

Well, look at the trade-off.  If you lived here, you could be paying that much per month in health insurance.