How much does preschool cost?

The short answer: it depends on type, age, and hours

There is no one national price for preschool. A part-time church preschool, a public pre-K classroom, and a full-time daycare center can cost very different amounts.

In many areas, part-time preschool may cost a few hundred dollars a month. Full-time daycare or preschool can be much higher, often from about $800 to $2,500 or more per month. In expensive cities, some programs cost even more. Infant and toddler care often costs more than preschool for 3- and 4-year-olds.

The biggest price changes usually come from three things: your child's age group, how many hours you need, and what kind of program you choose. If you are still comparing options, our programs page can help you see common program types.

• Part-time usually means a shorter school day or only a few days each week.
• Full-time usually means care for most of the workday, often 5 days a week.
• Public programs and subsidized programs may cost much less, or sometimes $0, if your family qualifies.

Typical cost ranges by program type

These are broad ranges. Real prices depend on your state, city, and the specific school or center. Always ask each program for a written tuition sheet and fee list.

A part-time preschool program for ages 3 to 5 might cost about $300 to $1,200 per month. A full-time center-based preschool or daycare program might cost about $800 to $2,500 or more per month. Home-based daycare may be lower in some places, but not always. Montessori programs and some private specialty programs may cost more.

Public pre-K, Head Start, and other community-based programs can be much lower cost than private tuition. Some families pay nothing. Some families pay on a sliding scale, which means the price changes based on family income. You can read more about lower-cost options at help paying for preschool and Head Start and public pre-K.

• Part-time preschool: often about $300 to $1,200 per month
• Full-time preschool or daycare center: often about $800 to $2,500+ per month
• Public pre-K or Head Start: may be free or low-cost if your family qualifies
• Before- or after-care, meals, and registration fees may cost extra

Why the same kind of preschool can have very different prices

Location matters a lot. A program in a high-rent neighborhood usually costs more. Prices also change based on teacher staffing, classroom size, and whether the program runs only during the school year or all year.

Age matters too. Care for infants and toddlers often costs more because younger children usually need more adults in the room. That means the program has higher staffing costs. If you are looking for younger age groups, compare infant daycare and toddler daycare options separately from preschool.

Program style can also affect cost. For example, Montessori preschool, bilingual preschool, or a full-day daycare and child care program may have different tuition structures. Ask what is included so you can compare fairly.

• City and neighborhood
• Child age group
• Part-time or full-time schedule
• School-year only or year-round
• Meals, transportation, and extended care

Look beyond tuition: fees can change the real monthly cost

A program may advertise one monthly number, but your real cost may be higher. Ask about every fee before you apply. This can help you avoid surprises.

Common extra costs include registration fees, supply fees, late pickup fees, meal fees, field trip fees, and deposits. Some programs also charge separately for before-care or after-care. Others include these in tuition.

When you visit, ask for the full fee sheet and circle anything you do not understand. Our preschool tour checklist and questions to ask on a tour can help you know what to ask.

• Ask if tuition is monthly, weekly, or yearly
• Ask if summer care costs extra
• Ask if you pay when your child is sick or absent
• Ask about refund rules for deposits and registration fees

How families lower the cost

Many families do not pay the full private tuition price. They use public programs, child care assistance, or a sliding-scale program. Sliding scale means the program charges less if your family income is lower.

Depending on your state and your family's situation, help may come from child care subsidies, public pre-K, Head Start, tax credits, or scholarships from a local program. Rules are different in each state. Immigration status rules can also be different by program, so ask the program directly what documents a parent or guardian needs.

A simple first step is to make a short list of programs and ask two questions: "Do you offer sliding-scale tuition?" and "Do you accept child care subsidy vouchers?" For more detail, read help paying for preschool. If you want help finding options, you can get matched, free.

• Head Start can be free for eligible families
• Public pre-K is sometimes free or low-cost
• State subsidy programs may help pay for daycare or preschool
• Some private programs offer sibling discounts or financial aid

How to compare cost the smart way

Do not compare only the cheapest monthly number. Compare the schedule, what is included, the distance from home or work, and whether the hours actually fit your life. A lower tuition is not always the lower total cost if you also need extra care before or after school.

Make a simple chart with the program name, monthly tuition, fees, hours, meals, and transportation. Then visit in person if you can. It is also important to verify the state license yourself. A good place to start is how to check a preschool license.

If you are choosing between school-day preschool and longer-day care, this guide on preschool vs. daycare may help. If you want a family-friendly shortlist, Cubby Road can help you get matched, free. We are a free guide service. We do not run programs or guarantee admission.

• Visit in person before you decide
• Verify the state license yourself
• Ask if there is a waitlist
• Get all prices in writing