Choosing the right time to apply and enroll your child in a Back Bay Boston preschool is a significant decision. While there is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, one of the primary considerations when deciding when to enroll your child in a Boston preschool is their age along with your interest in how your child will learn and grow at the earliest of life stages. Based on your child’s age and aptitude consider all your options before enrollment:
- Nanny: A nanny offers the most personalized experience. One on one care with a trusted provider is exceptional and can be extremely convenient for busy families. Think: no pick ups and drop offs. Plus, a proficient nanny is capable of handling some chores, errands, and ensuring that a mother feels supported while helping with the kids. However, this can also be the most costly option.. Not to mention, the one that can put you in a bind if circumstances change quickly – which they can and do!
- Daycare: Some daycares open to children at ages as young as 6 weeks… They generally cater to children between 6 months to just before 3 years old. This care is typically offered year-round, Monday through Friday to accommodate parents’ work schedules. They typically don’t tie in with the academic calendar like pre-schools.
- Preschool: Intended for children between the ages of 2 years, 9 months and 5 years old, preschool is designed for socialization and slightly more structured learning… with plenty of activities focusing on play as well.
- Pre-K: This year is based on school readiness, with the goal of preparing children for Kindergarten, the first mandatory year of schooling. This is typically for children between 4 – 5 years old.
The Boston Public Schools preschool program is one of the strongest in the nation, and there are more than 2,400 Universal Public Pre-K seats available for children who are four years old on or before September 1 of the school year they are registering for. If attempting to secure one of these public spots we encourage families to register in the first round for this grade, starting in January of the year they would be eligible to enroll.
If you’re interested in a private approach to early education there are no shortage of options in that realm as well. Most private preschools in South End Boston admit children between the ages of 2.9 and 5 years old. This moment marks the beginning of your child’s educational journey and lays the foundation for their future learning experiences. Children develop at different rates, so it’s essential to assess your child’s readiness for a structured learning environment. When you are ready to enroll, here is a list of the private schools in Charlestown you may want to check out:
Located on Constitution Road, Bright Horizons child care centers are nationally known and this location serves children ages six weeks through preschool. They also have summer programs available.
Located right off of pier 6, Allo Montessori offers both a Toddler program for ages 17 months to 2.9 years, and a Preschool program for ages 2.9 to 6 years old. Keeping meticulous records of students’ progress, and updating individualized weekly lesson plans for each student.
Charlestown Cooperative Nursery
Located in Bunker Hill, Charlestown Cooperative Nursery has programs for 20-24 months, 2-3 year olds, 3-5 year olds, and 4-5 year olds. Based on the age bracket, the programs are available for varying times and days per week. Each classroom has “learning labs,” offering a balance of experiences including sensory, early literacy, and math skills, music and visual arts.
MGH Children’s Center (Bright Horizons)
Located near the waterfront, MGH Children’s Center offers programs for infants through kindergarten prep. This location is part of Bright Horizons’ nationally known centers.
After exploring some of Charlestown’s highly rated preschools, if you haven’t found the right place for your child, explore more options in South End or Beacon Hill.
Schooling is a major aspect in the home buying experience from pre-K through high school, and definitely should be discussed with your real estate agent when setting criteria for your home purchase. Whether you’re moving to Boston for the first time, or looking for advice, Jeff Hamilton can provide you with expert knowledge. Having navigated the Boston pre-school scene with three kids of his own, Jeff knows the area’s school scene first-hand.
