The options you mention are all considered daycare. You could consider Montessori programs in the area that start at 18 months - ToTH or District Montessori, although a full day will be a similar price.

Northeast Stars Montessori starts at 2 and is less pricey, but I’ve heard mixed reviews.

If your schedule will allow and you would be interested in participating, a co-op can be a fabulous experience, and also be considerably cheaper than conventional preschools. I looked at two co-ops at the time, and there were significant differences. I think the nature of coops will lead to more variation than you night find in conventional preschools, and I think there are several in the DC area (or at least there used to be).

My kids (now grown) went to Glenbrook Co-operative Nursery School, which was a play-based program in Bethesda. The teachers at the time were wonderful. The help from the parents not only kept the student-to-adult ratio low, but meant that you could see your child interacting in a school setting, and really get to know the teachers, other kids, and their parents. It was a very supportive community.

I haven’t kept in touch, so I’m sure that there have been many changes, but the school has actually been around since the 40s (long before my kids attended in the early 2000s). Here’s the website:
https://glenbrookschool.org/about/

CCBC on Chevy Chase circle has 2 or 3 half days for 15-23 months and 2, 3 or 5 day options for 2’s. Price is much less than what you ask for.

I am not sure what you are looking for though because you say non-daycare and then list daycare centers.

Anonymous wrote:What age are you looking for?

Year before PK 3, age 2

What age are you looking for?

Hi All, DC Dad!

Would anyone happen to have a list of whatever would be considered pre-pre school(non-daycare), for kids a year prior to preschool. We've checked out a few in the 30k range, Bambina, University of Kids, Cap Hill STEM, and wanted to compare lower costed options as well in the DC, lower MD areas.

Thanks!