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There are several different types of preschool programs. Some of these programs are quite academic, while others are more play-based. Yet others combine the two approaches.
When looking for a preschool or daycare for your child, it’s important to think about which approach is the best fit. To learn more about this, read our choosing a preschool guide. To learn more about preschools in general, read our preschool education guide.
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Academic preschools and daycares focus on school readiness skills. They aim to prepare kids for the school years.
These preschools have a mostly teacher-led classroom. Teachers and staff guide kids through a tightly structured curriculum. They introduce kids to several subjects, including math, reading, writing, science, and nature.
Teachers sometimes give whole-class lectures or lessons in an academic preschool. Normally, though, these are shorter and more interactive than what you’ll find in the school years, especially at the upper levels.
While academic preschool provides quite a bit of formal instruction, it normally allows some unstructured time. This may include indoor free-play time or outdoor recess, where kids are free to choose what they want to do. It’s just that there will be less of this than in play-based preschools.
Play-based preschools and daycares are less structured. Kids are free to move around, choose their activities, and play with kids in class. They thus have plenty of free-play time. They also have lots of time for exploration, and open-ended and imaginative activities.
In a play-based preschool (also called "play schools"), kids tend to spend a lot of time interacting with other kids. They play games, explore the environment, and work on projects with their peers—one-on-one or in groups.
For most of the day, they can choose what they want to do. They can move between different areas or “stations” in the classroom, such as a kitchen, dressup, sensory, building, and arts and crafts area. These areas are changed often, such as every week or even every day. To learn more about the preschool classroom, click here.
Play-based preschools offer little formal instruction. Kids may, though, learn some basic math (such as numbers and addition) and language (such as letters and reading). Normally, though, this is done through short, interactive lessons and fun activities.
As Maureen Myers, executive director at Sprouts, a preschool in Toronto, Ontario, says "We don't sit down and teach by rote or repetition, but the ideas and concepts of letter recognition, language, math, and sciences are learned by very hands-on activities."
The belief is that kids learn best through play. By interacting with their peers in different settings, they learn important social and emotional skills. They become more independent, mature, and capable. They also learn to reason, reflect (about themselves and others), and solve problems.
To learn more about the similarities and differences between various types of preschools, read our comparison guides. In separate articles, we compare Montessori to Waldorf, Montessori to Reggio Emilia, Waldorf to Reggio Emilia, Montessori to play-based, and Montessori to academic preschools. If you want to compare specific schools one-to-one, visit our compare hub. You can also read our guide to preschool questions.
Preschool questions (read our in-depth answers) |
“Academic preschools have teacher-led instruction and follow a curriculum. Whereas play-based preschools, it it often believed, allow the children to play freely, without guidance or instruction. However, this is not necessarily so. Many preschools combine play-based learning with direct instruction. This can spark curiosity and provide opportunities for students to engage directly with the environment and make sense of the world.” Vanessa Sjerven, teacher at Elmwood school (the early years program), in Ottawa, Ontario
“My point of view: children can play and learn in preschool. One does not preclude the other. Play is an integral part of learning the ‘academics.’ A school can be both academic and play-based without stressing the child with academics. Children should be encouraged to inquire, to question, and to play, to make sense of the world.” Nora Ibrahim, preschool teacher and IB PYP (Primary Years Program) coordinator at Académie de la Capitale, in Ottawa, Ontario
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Ottawa, Ontario — Elmwood School is Ottawa's pre-eminent school for girls from PreK to Gr. 12. Our high academic standards, small class sizes and safe, supportive environment ensure that each girl is inspired to reach her full potential. View School Profile.
Grades:
PS to 12 (Girls)
Type:
Progressive, International Baccalaureate
Tuition:
$14,800 to $28,300
Living:
Day
Enrollment:
370
Avg. Class:
15 to 17
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Toronto, Ontario — Prestige School offers programs from junior kindergarten to grade 12 in Toronto. Its average class size is 10 to 18 students. View School Profile.
Grades:
PS to 12 (Coed)
Type:
Traditional
Tuition:
$12,000 to $16,500
Living:
Day
Enrollment:
290
Avg. Class:
10 to 18
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Kendellhurst offers students an enriched curriculum with a blend of project-based, traditional and arts-infused curriculum within a seamless technology program. We include school-issued chrome books for grades 5 to 8.
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A challenging learning environment that encourages high expectations. Watch your child as they grow into a courageous and self-confident learner with leadership skills they can apply to any activity or project.
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Lynn-Rose Heights Private School offers challenging academic programming from three years old to grade twelve in Mississauga. Lynn-Rose Heights school is an official International Baccalaureate World School.
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This academically re-known French & English bilingual serves students from Pre-Kg to High School. Class size averages 20 students; tuition ranges from $15,000 to $18,00 . Boarding is available.
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Established in 1901, Hillfield Strathallan College is one of Canada’s leading co-educational independent schools, offering academic programs from Montessori Toddler and Pre-K to Grade 12, in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada.
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TFS - Canada's International School offers Canada's only bilingual IB programs from PK to Grade 12. Average class size is 12 to 22 students. Entrance Scholarship to Grade 7 is available.
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Oakville's SMLS continues to be a premier independent school for girls Preschool to Grade 12 since 1891. "Millie" graduates take on the world with confidence and the knowledge that they can do anything.
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The Maples is an established private IB World School in Orangeville, Ontario providing exemplary education for students (Pre-School to Grade 8). Daily French instruction in PS and Kindergarten with an academic focus.
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Our mission is personalized student academic success in a friendly and caring school community, in which all students are emotionally supported and socially welcome.
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We are a small, but dynamic private school that caters to families who are looking for a nurturing school environment for their child. Small classes and a well-rounded curriculum to help every child meet with success.
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Hawthorn School is located in Toronto. We offer a co-ed toddler-SK program and an all girls program for grade 1- grade 12. Our unique mentoring program is tailored to help students reach their full potential.
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TFS - Canada's International School (West Campus) offers programs from Pre-Kindergarten to Grade 7. Its average class size is 12 to 22 students.
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Junior Academy offers programs for students from Toddler to Grade Eight, in midtown Toronto. The average class size is 10 to 14 students and it caters to many types of students with different learning profiles.
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RMS is an award-winning progressive private school. Our structured enriched programme cultivates character, leadership, respect and cultural diversity while developing each child’s 21st century skills and a STEM mindset.
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La Citadelle's Excellence in Bilingual Education and academically advanced curriculum develop successful global citizens through IB & AP programs and a holistic approach where students achieve their highest potential.
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Our identity and teaching philosophy are based on strong values: teaching excellence & innovation, multilingualism & freedom of expression, responsibility & intellectual curiosity, respect for others & togetherness.
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New Haven is the leading private school and non-profit centre supporting individuals with ASD and their families year-round. Our focus centres on growing potential and changing the lives of those with ASD to SOAR.
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Bayview Glen is a traditional co-ed day school in Toronto, Ontario from Preschool (age 2) to Grade 12, a global member of Round Square and offers Advanced Placement programme. Tuition ranges from $18,850 to $28,000.
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Prestige School offers individualized programs from pre-school to grade eight in Richmond Hill with an average class size of ten students. It will soon be expanding its facilities to include full-time high school.
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With 2 Campuses located in Vaughan, King Heights Academy provides a unique educational experience for toddlers to grade 12 which includes the IB Program. Our new Thornhill Campus offers a Sports Program from grades 1-12
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Walden International School, Oakville, offers enriched, child-centred, academic programs from Pre-K through Grade 8. Grade 9 will be introduced in September 2021. Class sizes up to 18 students depending on grade level.
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At Banbury, we teach and mentor each child individually. Students are happy and engaged in learning. We believe in small class sizes with multi-aged groups. 98% of our grads continue with post-secondary education.
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Kuper Academy offers programs from pre-school to grade eleven in Kirkland. Its average class size is 22 students.
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Early Learning Centre to Grade 12. Discipline. Character. Respect. Complete your child's academic and spiritual foundation. Discover why PCA students excel!
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Ottawa’s Fern Hill School offers Preschool, Kindergarten and Elementary Grades, including extended French. Tuition starts at $2,950.
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Lycée Louis Pasteur is the only school in Calgary to teach the French Ministry of Education and Alberta Education curricula. Three years old to Grade 12. All linguistic backgrounds welcome. Small class sizes.
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Mulgrave School offers programmes from Preschool to Grade 12 in West Vancouver to all genders. Its average class size is 20 students with teacher to student ratios of 1:8.
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The Giles School has small class sizes, leadership programs and intensive STEM programming that support both immersion and introductory language programming in each of the six official languages of the United Nations.
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Founded in 1912, Montverde Academy is an elite college preparatory school for students in grades Pre-K3 through post-graduate studies with a distinct student population from over 80 countries worldwide.
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Magnificent Minds Inc. caters to learners whose needs are not being met in traditional school environments, pursuing academic excellence, and individual greatness.
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Oakville Christian School offers programs from pre-school to grade eight in Oakville. Its average class size is 22 students.
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Queen Margaret's School is a gender inclusive independent day/boarding university preparatory school in Duncan, BC that focuses on preparing young trailblazers for an unknown future.
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As western Canada's leader in French immersion education, Calgary French & International School students are active leaders and global citizens, graduating with a foundation for life long success.
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Diverse, warm community. Small classes. Exceptional phonics program to build early literacy. Collaborative, multiple-strategy approach to math. Public speaking, the arts, outdoor ed, mindfulness, community engagement.
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River Valley is an inclusive school that harnesses the innate curiosity in children to ensure that every student, regardless of age or ability will flourish academically and socially.
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Providence Academy is the only Private French Catholic School offering a trilingual program of study in Ontario with classes from nursery to grade eight. Tuition: $8,800-10,300. Extracurricular activities: $600-$650.
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The Alexander von Humboldt German International School Montreal is a multilingual (German, English and French), private, co-educational school serving students from preschool to grade 12.
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Little Owl Preschool, Elementary and Middle School develops motivated, confident, and happy problem-solving individuals. We invite your child to become a Little Owl student.
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The close-knit community at Star delivers on Learn to Love to Learn™ with project-based, cross-curricular and experiential learning. Our Five Pillars of Child Development guide learning experiences for students in K-8.
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Now offered online, the PK – Grade 6 program is a visible expression of the philosophy embodied in Ledson's books, Raising Brighter Children and Teach Your Child to Read in Just 10 Minutes a Day.
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MacLachlan is a world-class school offering the benefits of small class sizes, highly dedicated and engaged teachers and an internationally recognized curriculum for students in Pre-Kindergarten to Grade 12.
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Meadow Green Academy offers programs from pre-school to grade eight in Mississauga. Its average class size is 12 students.
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At Hitherfield we believe that every child is unique, and has his or her own strengths and interests. With individualized programs, Hitherfield nurtures growth, success and confidence in all students.
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Accredited by French Ministry of Education and certified by AEFE, this school provides outstanding education and revolves around 3 major themes: Excellence, Educational innovation and Cultural / linguistic openness.
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Wesley Christian Academy offers programs from Toddler to Grade 8 in Markham. As we are a Christian school, we share our beliefs with all our students but we warmly welcome families from ALL faiths and backgrounds!
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St. Clement's Early Learning School
70 St. Clements Avenue, Toronto, Ontario M4R 1H2
St. Clement’s Early Learning School provides a child with an opportunity for growth in all areas of his or her development.
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Kingsley's small classes and personal approach help students reach their unique potential. Each child is seen, heard, and respected. French, music, and phys-ed round out a program which includes plenty of time outdoors.
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