How Much Do Pre-Kindergarten Programs Cost?

Compare typical tuition and fees for pre-kindergarten programs, what affects the cost, and how to assess quotes from local providers.

$400 - $1,600 per monthtypical range
Many families pay about $400 - $1,600 per month for a private pre-kindergarten program, depending on schedule and location. A part-time program may cost $200 - $600 monthly, while full-time care with extended hours can run $1,000 - $2,500.
Updated Oct 2026

Common jobs and what they cost

JobWhat it involvesTypical range
Part-time, school-year programA few mornings each week$200 - $600 per month
Half-day, five days a weekRegular weekday classes$400 - $1,000 per month
Full-day pre-KClasses and daytime care$800 - $1,800 per month
Full-day with extended careEarly drop-off or late pickup$1,000 - $2,500 per month

Ranges are typical, not quotes - the price for your job depends on scope and location, so always confirm with the provider.

What moves the price

Price depends first on how many days and hours a child attends. Full-day schedules and before- or after-school care cost more than a few mornings. Urban areas and regions with higher wages often have higher tuition, while nonprofit and church-based programs may charge less.

Small class sizes, specialized curricula, meals, transportation, and summer coverage can raise the total. Ask whether registration, supplies, and holiday or closure days are included, since tuition alone may not reflect the full yearly cost.

How to keep the cost down

Check eligibility for public pre-K, Head Start, state subsidies, or employer benefits before committing to private tuition. If your schedule allows, compare part-time attendance and programs that include meals or supplies.

Ask for an itemized annual estimate and clarify fees, payment schedules, and refund rules. Collecting quotes through Reedleys means every number comes from a real, checked listing.

Price questions, answered

Is public pre-K free?

Some public programs are tuition-free for eligible children, but availability, age rules, and schedules vary by state and district. Extended care or meals may carry separate charges.

Do pre-K programs require a deposit?

Many private providers charge a registration fee or deposit to reserve a place. Ask whether it is refundable and whether it is credited toward tuition.

Why do pre-K quotes differ so much?

Quotes may cover different schedules, staffing ratios, meals, and calendar periods. Compare the full annual cost and included services rather than tuition alone.

Recognized Pre-Kindergarten Programs businesses

The Goddard School

Preschool education and child care for infants through kindergarten, with guided play and individualized learning.

Education Chicago, United States
Lakeview Preschool Academy

Chicago preschool offering year-round programs for children ages 2 - 5, with full-day and part-time schedules.

Education Chicago, United States
Creative Scholars Preschool

Preschool programs for infants through junior kindergarten in Chicago.

Education Chicago, United States
Park West Co-Op Nursery Preschool

Chicago cooperative preschool offering play-based half-day and full-day programs for young children.

Education Chicago, United States
Brooklyn Free Space

Brooklyn preschool offering play-based, Reggio Emilia-inspired learning for children ages 2-5.

Education Brooklyn, United States
Friends of Crown Heights

Brooklyn early childhood education provider offering infant and toddler care, preschool, Pre-K, special education, and after-school programs.

Education Brooklyn, United States
Corlears School

An early learning school in downtown Manhattan serving toddlers through PreK.

Education New York City, United States
Star A Kidz

Midtown West daycare serving children from 3 months to 5 years with curriculum and enrichment programs.

Education New York City, United States
Phoenix Preparatory Preschool and Child Care

Academic preschool and child care serving infants through Pre-K in Central Phoenix.

Education Phoenix, United States
William Penn Charter School PreK

Quaker preschool in Philadelphia offering early childhood education through a whole-child approach.

Education Philadelphia, United States
See all Pre-Kindergarten Programs businesses →