We are trying to decide whether to send our oldest to pre-school next fall. He will be 3 in September. We plan to go to public pre-K and then public schools for K-12, so we're just talking about that one year from 3 to 4. Yes, I know that the deadlines are in December/January, but I also know spots often open up, so am not too worried about being late. So my questions for parents on this list: 1)... [more]
We are trying to decide whether to send our oldest to pre-school next fall. He will be 3 in September. We plan to go to public pre-K and then public schools for K-12, so we're just talking about that one year from 3 to 4. Yes, I know that the deadlines are in December/January, but I also know spots often open up, so am not too worried about being late. So my questions for parents on this list:
1) Most pre-schools I've looked into in Manhattan are quite expensive - the math works out to $40-50 / hour or more. I suppose we could afford it if we really wanted to, but I don't really get what I am paying all that money for, especially since we are not looking for help with private school admissions later. So my question is - what do "normal" people that can't afford these prices do? Keep their kids at home until pre-K? Get some sort of financial aid? Something else?
2) On a related note, logic tells me there must be cheaper / more laid back alternatives, but I haven't encountered any. Where might I look for them? Specific recommendations in UWS / Hells Kitchen also appreciated.
3) There's a very real likelihood that we will buy an apartment in a different neighborhood and move at some point during the next academic year. I am sure our kid will be fine switching schools mid-year as a 3-year old. But how do the legalities and logistics work? Are we committed to the pre-school we start with for the full year? Can we find pre-schools in our new hood when we move?
I am sure these are pretty stupid questions on this topic. I should probably be doing my own research elsewhere, but don't even know where to start. So recommendations on methods to research the above are also appreciated.
Thanks in advance.
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Response by technologic
almost 16 years ago
Posts: 253
Member since: Feb 2010
Hi newbuyer,
I know there are options if you seek them out as opposed to the expensive preschools. Check out the "2s" and "3s" programs offered by YMCA in your 'hood (affordable, relative to private). There is also supposed to be a very good book, something called "Someones Guide to Public and Private School in Manhattan" or something like that :) Ive seen it on amazon and barnes and nobles. Hope that helps.
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Response by UWSer
almost 16 years ago
Posts: 158
Member since: Feb 2009
If your child is turning 3 this Sept (i.e., 7 months from now), you are way late in applying to most of the more prominent preschools. For those, you start the application process the day after Labor Day for the following fall.
There are more laid back alternatives. Purple Circle and I think it is called the Studio School on the UWS are some options.
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Response by OTNYC
almost 16 years ago
Posts: 547
Member since: Feb 2009
NB - do some searches on urbanbaby.com. Sounds like you are somewhat new to the game so I'll give you a bit of a wake-up call. For a certain pre-school on the UWS that we applied, here are the numbers. 600 requests for an application. 200 applications given out. 120 of those apps for 2's program. Total available 12 spots for incoming 2's, 6 of those spots taken by siblings. So there are 120 kids with a shot at 6 spots. (The math is slightly more favorable for 3's, but not much) If you were to contact the school at this point hoping for an "opening", they would politely explain that they are booked with a full (and eager) wait list. All the "desirable" preschools have math similar to the above. And the game started in September 09.
Your best bet at this point is to look into drop-off programs or day-cares that will accept part-timers. You can also cobble together a very enriching week for your kid by signing up for courses at kids' gyms, etc.
End of the day, he'll be fine without a preschool spot - your engagement with him and unconditional love are the most important elements for health and growth at this point.
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Response by a_g
almost 16 years ago
Posts: 147
Member since: Jan 2009
Its pretty ridiculous to spend 40-50 hr on a 3 to 4 year old, they barely remember what happened yesterday. You can hire 3 nannies per hour at that price. Of course I'm kidding, but it is a lot of money, especially considering all the holidays, and the fact that most kids get sick all the time after first starting school and being in close quarters with other children.
There are less expensive options out there, especially if you want to send your kid public school. A lot of people start off with private pre k's to help with admission to elite private schools starting for kindergarten. Check out programs at the Y or JCC, etc in your hood.
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Response by drujan
almost 16 years ago
Posts: 77
Member since: Sep 2009
Why aren't there more pre-schools and kindergartens in Manhattan? If demand is so overwhelming (really, ten-twenty applicants for one spot?), why is supply so drastically restricted? Something fishy is going on, no?
I couldn't care less about the "desirable"/prominent pre-schools. Just want some socialization for my kid. I will look into the suggestiosn here - much appreciated.
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Response by NYCMatt
almost 16 years ago
Posts: 7523
Member since: May 2009
"Why aren't there more pre-schools and kindergartens in Manhattan? If demand is so overwhelming (really, ten-twenty applicants for one spot?), why is supply so drastically restricted? Something fishy is going on, no?"
1. Crazy regulations create a nearly insurmountable barrier for new entries into the market.
2. Demand for the "top tier" schools will remain high, as parents still flock to the "name-brand" schools versus the untried (with no placement track record) new schools.
Hi newbuyer,
I know there are options if you seek them out as opposed to the expensive preschools. Check out the "2s" and "3s" programs offered by YMCA in your 'hood (affordable, relative to private). There is also supposed to be a very good book, something called "Someones Guide to Public and Private School in Manhattan" or something like that :) Ive seen it on amazon and barnes and nobles. Hope that helps.
If your child is turning 3 this Sept (i.e., 7 months from now), you are way late in applying to most of the more prominent preschools. For those, you start the application process the day after Labor Day for the following fall.
There are more laid back alternatives. Purple Circle and I think it is called the Studio School on the UWS are some options.
NB - do some searches on urbanbaby.com. Sounds like you are somewhat new to the game so I'll give you a bit of a wake-up call. For a certain pre-school on the UWS that we applied, here are the numbers. 600 requests for an application. 200 applications given out. 120 of those apps for 2's program. Total available 12 spots for incoming 2's, 6 of those spots taken by siblings. So there are 120 kids with a shot at 6 spots. (The math is slightly more favorable for 3's, but not much) If you were to contact the school at this point hoping for an "opening", they would politely explain that they are booked with a full (and eager) wait list. All the "desirable" preschools have math similar to the above. And the game started in September 09.
Your best bet at this point is to look into drop-off programs or day-cares that will accept part-timers. You can also cobble together a very enriching week for your kid by signing up for courses at kids' gyms, etc.
End of the day, he'll be fine without a preschool spot - your engagement with him and unconditional love are the most important elements for health and growth at this point.
Its pretty ridiculous to spend 40-50 hr on a 3 to 4 year old, they barely remember what happened yesterday. You can hire 3 nannies per hour at that price. Of course I'm kidding, but it is a lot of money, especially considering all the holidays, and the fact that most kids get sick all the time after first starting school and being in close quarters with other children.
There are less expensive options out there, especially if you want to send your kid public school. A lot of people start off with private pre k's to help with admission to elite private schools starting for kindergarten. Check out programs at the Y or JCC, etc in your hood.
Why aren't there more pre-schools and kindergartens in Manhattan? If demand is so overwhelming (really, ten-twenty applicants for one spot?), why is supply so drastically restricted? Something fishy is going on, no?
Thanks for all the comments. I screwed up by creating two threads, and replied on the other thread:
http://streeteasy.com/nyc/talk/discussion/18581-pre-schools-questions
Ironically, that one got quasi-hijacked.
I couldn't care less about the "desirable"/prominent pre-schools. Just want some socialization for my kid. I will look into the suggestiosn here - much appreciated.
"Why aren't there more pre-schools and kindergartens in Manhattan? If demand is so overwhelming (really, ten-twenty applicants for one spot?), why is supply so drastically restricted? Something fishy is going on, no?"
1. Crazy regulations create a nearly insurmountable barrier for new entries into the market.
2. Demand for the "top tier" schools will remain high, as parents still flock to the "name-brand" schools versus the untried (with no placement track record) new schools.