Preschool and Pre-K: Everything You Need to Know

PRE-K SCHOOL Readiness at Bright Horizons

The last year before kindergarten is a wondrous time full of enormous growth and exciting experiences. Pre-K schools can help children to flourish during this important time, while building the social and academic skills they’ll need to be ready for school. At Bright Horizons, we offer child care centers and pre-K schools that enable children to develop the academic, social, and physical skills they’ll need for the road ahead.

97%

of parents report their child entered elementary school prepared and ready to meet the demands of their new school.

Skills for the Modern World

Our integrated and emergent curriculum gives young children the ability to expand beyond strong foundations in reading, writing, and math to understand not just what to learn, but how to learn.

98%

of Bright Horizons’ parents and teachers agree Bright Horizons’ graduates entered elementary school with a strong enthusiasm for learning.

Developing a Growth Mindset

Bright Horizons teachers encourage children to ask questions, fostering more than just an interest in facts -- but a thirst to understand how things work.

97%

of parents said their child entered school with the ability to approach a challenge in an innovative or creative way.

Developing Executive Function

In our classrooms, education is more than facts and figures, but inspires children to innovate, problem solve, and apply information in creative and resourceful manners.

93%

of teachers agree that the Bright Horizons’ graduates in their classrooms were well prepared with the literacy and math skills they needed for academic success.

Prepared for 21st Century Skills

Our graduates leave our centers confident students who are ready to manage the academic, social, and behavioral expectations of the first year of elementary school and beyond.

94%

of teachers said that Bright Horizons graduates were ready to accept new responsibilities and greater independence.

Social-Emotional Learning

Curriculum elements such as Caring Matters and Toward a Better World support important social skills, helping children to express themselves, resolve conflict, and work cooperatively with classmates and teachers.

FAQ: What are pre-k schools?

What is pre-K school?

OPEN
A pre-K school can be used to describe school-based programs that are designed to help prepare children for kindergarten.  Kindergarten Prep is another name for this type of program . While pre-k is similar to preschool, it offers a more in-depth approach to learning and school readiness. Children in pre-k school are typically 4 - 5 years old. 

Does Bright Horizons offer pre-K school?

OPEN

Yes. Our early education programs offer more than daycare. Our goal is not just to help children learn, but to cultivate the joy of learning at all ages. We are currently enrolling in our:

  • Pre-Kindergarten: Our kindergarten preparation programs support children during a time of enormous and exciting growth, building the academic, social, and physical skills that will get them ready for school.
  • Preschool program: Our preschool classes are designed to prepare children for kindergarten and all the big steps ahead, supporting inquisitive young minds as they tackle new challenges, take chances, and experiment with new things.
  • Summer camp: Through Summer Explorations at Bright Horizons®, your child will have the opportunity to enjoy everything summer has to offer.
  • Toddler care: Our toddler preschool programs provide a place to test out and learn new skills, make new friends, and celebrate the joy of wonder and discovery.
  • Infant care: Our newborn and baby daycare programs provide safe spaces, welcoming environments, and inspired caregivers that support all your baby’s developmental milestones
Not sure which program is right for you? No problem! Once you find a center near you, we can help you find the right program based on your child's age and how soon you'd like to begin care.

How can I find pre-k programs near me?

OPEN

Most Bright Horizons centers have preschool daycare for children up to 6 years old. Learn about tuition, openings or schedule a meeting to visit our:

Or, Search by Zip to find a Bright Horizons child care center in your local city.

Should every child attend pre-K school before starting kindergarten?

OPEN
By law, pre-K is not a requirement in any state in the U.S. In some states, kindergarten isn’t even required as long as you can self-school your child based on the same education guidelines that kindergarten, preschool, and pre-k programs follow. However, this can be difficult for working parents — especially those who are also first-time parents — so finding a pre-k program with an excellent reputation for early education can be beneficial for both you and your child.

How can I compare the costs for pre-k schools?
 

OPEN

Preschool pre-k school costs will depend upon on your child’s age when they begin a program as well as the center location where you'd like to attend. To get a customized tuition quote for Bright Horizons, we will set up a Zoom or in-person meeting with you to discuss your family’s needs and calculate what tuition would look like for you.

Does Bright Horizons allow children with special needs to attend pre-K school?

OPEN
Yes. Bright Horizons is an inclusive community and children with special needs will find opportunities and support at our are welcome at our child care centers. Teachers collaborate with parents, directors, and specialists to maximize opportunities for learning and to eliminate any barriers or safety issues.

curve-main

More about Bright Horizons pre-K school readiness

As a leading child care provider for more than 30 years, Bright Horizons has provided child care, preschool and early education programs designed to serve the needs of working families while nurturing the growth and development of every child. Our pre-K programs offer a research-based program carefully designed to meet the needs of children while preparing them for success in elementary school.

Highlights of our pre-K schools include:

  • Curriculum that empowers children to think critically and explore new ideas
  • Encouragement for developmental and academic achievements
  • Multiple and diverse learning activities that ensure children thrive in executive functioning, social awareness, and health and wellness
  • Support for core pre-academic areas including scientific investigation, literacy, mathematical reasoning
  • Emphasis teamwork and developing a positive self-image that will be essential for success in school and life

In addition to pre-K, we offer baby daycare, toddler daycare, and preschool programs, enabling your child to make a seamless educational transition at every age and stage.

What makes our pre-K programs different

What sets us Bright Horizons apart from other pre-K schools?

  • Our extraordinary teachers: At Bright Horizons you’ll find caring educators with a talent for understanding how best to motivate each child. We support our teachers with nationally recognized training and certifications, as well as fully-funded tuition for college degrees.
  • Support for Families: Our programs are designed for working families. Convenient schedules and carefully planned hours ensure that the pre-K schools and programs are designed to fit the way you work. We also offer family learn-at-home activities, parent webinars to keep you informed, and a mobile app that keeps you connected to your child’s learning environment while you’re at work.
  • Well-balanced care: We offer a research-based approach that leverages your child’s interests for discovery. Exciting and immersive learning experiences help build a foundation for future success. And an emphasis on cognitive, social-emotional, and physical development provides support for the whole child.
mother holding child

Get Started Today

Find a center near you to get started with Bright Horizons

Or call us to start the conversation 877-624-4532

Bright Horizons offers more than a traditional daycare. It helps parents looking for education-based Boston daycare, NYC daycare, Chicago daycare, Washington, DC daycare, Los Angeles daycare, San Francisco daycare, Seattle daycare and local daycares in other cities. It also provides back-up daycare and elder care, employer-sponsored child care, employer tuition assistance, workforce education, and student loan repayment programs. Bright Horizons Global Headquarters is located in Newton, Massachusetts, USA.