How Much? - Naperville,IL

It can vary greatly depending on what fits in your budget and what you are looking for. For me, I wanted a great school and also one that allowed me time to get some errands done by myself. Park districts were generally the most cost effective, but some of them were only 2 days a week for 1 1/2 hours at a time. That didn't give me any time to get to the grocery store and get the groceries put away without being late for a pick up. So we found one that we love that starts with a 2 year old room (doesn't have to be potty trained) and this school costs $175/month for 3 days per week 9-12. My middle girl goes there now and my oldest went there for 3 years. I also had sent my oldest to a montessori preschool while going to the other preschool for 2 full days (I felt she needed more school time for various reasons). That cost $500/month. 5 half days at the montessori school costs $600/month. I think she got a lot out of it, but it was pretty pricey. To make a long story short, I don't think it's too early to look and I would suggest talking to other moms in your immediate neighborhood with preschool age children and at your local parks when you see them(that's where we heard about the great school that takes them at 2!!) to find out where they go and what the cost is and what they like/dislike about the schools. Since you use mamasource, you already know that other moms are the best source of good advice! Good luck!

It varies greatly from place to place. My 3 year old will be going to the Glendale Heights park district preschool. We have gotten to know her teacher through summer camp, and she's WONDERFUL!!! For 2 mornings (9:30-11:30) per week it's only $73 per month. It's really not to early to look, because you need to check around for a school that fits your style and budget. I know that most preschools let you come visit to get a feel for what its like- we observed while kids were there and were very impressed (plus we had recommendations from other parents). My daughter even participated in some of the activities while we were visiting. Good luck!

Hi T.,

I think that you are referring to 3 year old preschool that is typically 2-3 hours in length for 2-3 days per week. What I found when I was researching preschools last year for my son was that the prices ranged anywhere from just over $100 to about $140. When I averaged out what we were paying it was about $5 an hour and so worth it! Now, we still were responsible for paying the same price for tuition for every month in the school year, including December which was a short month. But, it was worth it.

Hi T.,
I just went through this all recently. It truly varies in prices, depending on where you are looking. For example, I live in North Aurora but was sending my daughter to a preschool in Geneva. For 2 day a week for 2 1/2 haours it was $150.00 a month. I didn't know that it was NOT supposed to cost that much money until I went and checked out preschools in other areas. The school that she is currently signed up at is 3 days a week for 2 1/2 hours and it's $125.00 a month. Just do your research and don't stress out too much about it.....you'll make the right decision and you're starting early.
Good luck!
K. :~)

Park district preschool runs about 108/week for 2 1/2 hours for 2 days and about 140 for three days.
Public daycare/prechools, I'm finding are about $111 for 2 full days twice a week.

Hi T.,

Your best course of action is to call preschools that interest you and ask them what their tuition is. Most don't list it on their website.

It is not at all too early if you considering sending your son when he turns 3. My son will turn 3 next April and not attend preschool until the fall of 2009, but the Naperville preschool I'm going to send him to starts registration in September - yes, this September, almost a full year in advance.

If you have any questions, feel free to drop me a message.

M.

When I was "shopping" for preschools, someone told me about the PACES (Parent and Child Education & Support Organization) group and the annual preschool guidebook they publish. It's a booklet that has a summary of most of the area schools, the tuition, days/times, etc. It was very helpful in my search. I purchased mine a few years ago for $5 at Borders in Naperville on Rt. 59, but here is a link to the organization so you can contact them to learn how to obtain a book. Of course the info in the booklet is subject to change, so you should also call the schools to confirm prices, etc. But it should help you narrow down your search. They offer one book for the Downers Grove/Elmhurst/Wheaton/Lombard areas and one book for the Naperville/Aurora/Plainfield areas. Good luck!

http://www.pacesmoms.com/special_events.html#b

(Also, since you're curious about what others are paying - my daughter's preschool charges $195/month for three mornings a week. A bit pricey, but we think the school is excellent.)