What’s the difference between private and public preschool programs?

Private preschools typically offer smaller class sizes, more personalized instruction, and specialized learning approaches, while public preschool programs may follow a more standardized curriculum and face higher student-teacher ratios due to state funding limits.​

At Kids Come First, we intentionally keep our group sizes small to support individualized learning and meaningful connections.

• 3-year-olds program: 8:1 student-to-adult ratio

• 4-year-olds program: 10:1 student-to-adult ratio

• Each group is led by a dedicated teacher, with an assistant who supports across classrooms as needed.

This ensures that there are always two nurturing, attentive adults present, creating a safe, responsive environment where every child feels seen, supported, and ready to grow.

Aren’t public programs just as effective if they’re free and state-funded?

Not always. While high-quality public programs do exist, they are often limited in availability and may have larger class sizes and reduced funding. A study by the Brookings Institution found that quality varies widely in public pre-K, and long-term gains are most consistent in settings with higher quality benchmarks, many of which private preschools exceed.

Is there a long-term academic advantage?

Yes. Longitudinal studies, such as the HighScope Perry Preschool Project, show that high-quality early childhood education leads to higher graduation rates, better job prospects, and even reduced criminal behavior later in life, especially when the program emphasizes relationships, intentional teaching, and active learning. ​

Are private preschool programs better for early brain development?

Yes. Research indicates that rich, responsive interactions and low student-teacher ratios—often found in private preschools—are crucial for brain development. According to Harvard’s Center on the Developing Child, early experiences shape brain architecture, and supportive relationships are key to building strong cognitive and emotional foundations.

Do private preschools allow for more creativity and play-based learning?

Absolutely. Many private programs use research-backed, play-based approaches to learning that align with how young children learn best. The American Academy of Pediatrics supports play as essential to healthy brain development, and private settings often allow for more outdoor time, open-ended play, and hands-on experiences.

At Kids Come First, we draw inspiration from the Reggio Emilia approach and use Learning Without Tears to support whole-child development through creative, multisensory, and child-led experiences. Our curriculum is designed to adapt to each child's individual needs, strengths, and interests, recognizing that developmentally appropriate practice requires flexibility and responsiveness, not a one-size-fits-all model.

How does private preschool support kindergarten readiness?

Private schools can tailor their curriculum to meet or exceed readiness benchmarks without being bound to rigid state standards. A review by the National Education Policy Center showed that children in high-quality private preschools often outperform peers in language, math, and social readiness upon kindergarten entry.

Will my child feel known and valued?

In smaller, private settings, educators can form strong, nurturing relationships with each child and family—an essential ingredient for confidence, curiosity, and lifelong learning. A sense of belonging and emotional security is one of the strongest predictors of future academic success.

At Kids Come First, we make this a daily practice. Our mission is to provide a nurturing, academically rich environment where every child is known, valued, and inspired. We foster strong teacher-student connections through small class sizes, responsive teaching, and open family partnerships. Our approach is grounded in our core values—Integrity, Respect, Safety, and Trust—ensuring that children feel emotionally secure and seen as individuals. When children know they are valued, they are free to explore, grow, and learn with confidence.