How much does preschool cost?

Private preschool costs $400 to $1,300 per month or $4,000 to $13,000 per year. Publicly funded preschools are free. Montessori preschool programs cost $1,000 to $1,500 per month. Preschool tuition includes full or half-day programs offered 2, 3, or 5 days per week.

Average preschool costs by type
Type Average monthly cost Average yearly tuition (Sept – June)
Public preschool Free Free
Private preschool $400 – $1,300 $4,000 – $13,000
Montessori preschool $1,000 – $1,500 $12,000 – $18,000
Parent-run co-op $50 – $400 $500 – $4,000

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Public preschool cost

Public preschool programs are free to parents but are not available in every state. These government programs are intended to make early education accessible to low-income families.

Private preschool tuition

Private preschools cost $400 to $1,300 per month or $4,000 to $13,000 per school year running from September to June. Preschools for 3- to 5-year-olds focus on early learning to prepare children for formal schooling.

Montessori preschool prices

Montessori preschools cost $1,000 to $1,500 per month or $12,000 to $18,000 per school year. Montessori centers use a child-centered method of education, with an emphasis on hands-on independent learning and mixed age groups to promote peer-to-peer learning.

Parent-run co-op preschool cost

Parent-run preschool co-ops cost $50 to $400 per month or $500 to $4,000 per school year. A parent cooperative is a group of parents that hire a trained preschool teacher to educate their young children. Parents work together to run the program and take turns assisting in the classroom.