Whether or not how many kids go to preschool is irrelevant. Preschool is not necessary or it would be state required. It is an option. And an option is not necessary. And kids that do not go to preschool still go to K and subsequent years.

It is what you do at home with them that matters and by no means are those expensive preschools worth the cost.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

About 30 percent of the country’s 3- and 4-year-olds are enrolled in private preschools and childcare centers.

That is not the default by any means.

I have found different numbers for children in preschool, ranging from 30% to 55% to 70%. In DC, reportedly over 80% of children attend preschool.

The differences come down to definitions of what is "preschool." PP above stated 30% attend private preschools. There's also around 30% attending state-funded preschools. Much of the DC preschool population would be in that group. So if you looked at DC enrollment in private preschools, one might say "OMG, kids in DC are much less likely to be going to preschool!" Of course not, they are just attending the state-funded preschool at the public schools. There does tend to be a gap in the middle - low income families have access to state-funded programs, higher income families can pay for private. Those in the middle may struggle to find an affordable program.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Most kids do not go to preschool prior to K. Maybe on DCUM but normally, no.

I can't find the most recent stats, but this data from 2005 shows that 2/3 of 4-yr olds are in preschool (including daycare preschool programs) and it's over 80% for families with incomes of $75K+.
http://nieer.org/resources/policybriefs/15.pdf

Attending at least one year of preschool is the norm for moderate to high-income families.

And last time I checked moderate to high income families represent the top 5% of the country. I guess you only associate yourself with that top 5%

You do realize that the median family income for the US is only $52,250 and many of those people live in the DC Metro area surrounded by the clueless snobs who believe preschool is a must.

Most kids do not go to preschool prior to K. Maybe on DCUM but normally, no.


I can completely, honestly say that I do not know a SINGLE person personally who skipped preschool.


Same here. I don't know any children who skipped it. Not one.

That is a reflection of you and your ignorance.

As cited in the linked report, even in the "median" $50-$60K income range, 64% of 4 year olds are in a preschool program. No, you don't need to send your child to preschool but that really isn't the norm anymore.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I'm amazed so many think preschool isn't necessary.

I am surprised how many people fall hook line and sinker into the expensive preschool abyss.

YES! It is amazing they don't realize that non-preschool kids can even pass them in school without tutors, test prep, organic food, and 35 daily activities.

Odd response. Preschool is the default, the norm for most children. Tutors, test prep, organic food and 35 daily activities are not the norm for most children.

About 30 percent of the country’s 3- and 4-year-olds are enrolled in private preschools and childcare centers.

That is not the default by any means.

I have found different numbers for children in preschool, ranging from 30% to 55% to 70%. In DC, reportedly over 80% of children attend preschool.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I'm amazed so many think preschool isn't necessary.

I am surprised how many people fall hook line and sinker into the expensive preschool abyss.

YES! It is amazing they don't realize that non-preschool kids can even pass them in school without tutors, test prep, organic food, and 35 daily activities.

Odd response. Preschool is the default, the norm for most children. Tutors, test prep, organic food and 35 daily activities are not the norm for most children.

About 30 percent of the country’s 3- and 4-year-olds are enrolled in private preschools and childcare centers.

That is not the default by any means.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I'm amazed so many think preschool isn't necessary.

I am surprised how many people fall hook line and sinker into the expensive preschool abyss.

YES! It is amazing they don't realize that non-preschool kids can even pass them in school without tutors, test prep, organic food, and 35 daily activities.

Odd response. Preschool is the default, the norm for most children. Tutors, test prep, organic food and 35 daily activities are not the norm for most children.

It's not necessary, but preschool can be fun for young children and it provides a way for you to make friends with parents who have kids the same age.

My DD loves her preschool (it's 2.5 hours in the morning, Monday-Thursday). Her teacher keeps chickens and other animals, and brought in a few chicks for the kids to hold the other day. We certainly don't keep chickens, so this was a highlight of the week. If you can find a fun, not-too-academic preschool with a great teacher, go for it!

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I'm amazed so many think preschool isn't necessary.

I am surprised how many people fall hook line and sinker into the expensive preschool abyss.

YES! It is amazing they don't realize that non-preschool kids can even pass them in school without tutors, test prep, organic food, and 35 daily activities.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Most kids do not go to preschool prior to K. Maybe on DCUM but normally, no.

I can't find the most recent stats, but this data from 2005 shows that 2/3 of 4-yr olds are in preschool (including daycare preschool programs) and it's over 80% for families with incomes of $75K+.
http://nieer.org/resources/policybriefs/15.pdf

Attending at least one year of preschool is the norm for moderate to high-income families.

And last time I checked moderate to high income families represent the top 5% of the country. I guess you only associate yourself with that top 5%

You do realize that the median family income for the US is only $52,250 and many of those people live in the DC Metro area surrounded by the clueless snobs who believe preschool is a must.

Most kids do not go to preschool prior to K. Maybe on DCUM but normally, no.


I can completely, honestly say that I do not know a SINGLE person personally who skipped preschool.


Same here. I don't know any children who skipped it. Not one.

That is a reflection of you and your ignorance.

NP. The median family income for DC is $91,193.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Most kids do not go to preschool prior to K. Maybe on DCUM but normally, no.

I can't find the most recent stats, but this data from 2005 shows that 2/3 of 4-yr olds are in preschool (including daycare preschool programs) and it's over 80% for families with incomes of $75K+.
http://nieer.org/resources/policybriefs/15.pdf

Attending at least one year of preschool is the norm for moderate to high-income families.

And last time I checked moderate to high income families represent the top 5% of the country. I guess you only associate yourself with that top 5%

You do realize that the median family income for the US is only $52,250 and many of those people live in the DC Metro area surrounded by the clueless snobs who believe preschool is a must.

Most kids do not go to preschool prior to K. Maybe on DCUM but normally, no.


I can completely, honestly say that I do not know a SINGLE person personally who skipped preschool.


Same here. I don't know any children who skipped it. Not one.

That is a reflection of you and your ignorance.

Anonymous wrote:Most kids do not go to preschool prior to K. Maybe on DCUM but normally, no.

I can't find the most recent stats, but this data from 2005 shows that 2/3 of 4-yr olds are in preschool (including daycare preschool programs) and it's over 80% for families with incomes of $75K+.
http://nieer.org/resources/policybriefs/15.pdf

Attending at least one year of preschool is the norm for moderate to high-income families.

I teach kindergarten and let's just say, it helps that a child has gone to preschool but it isn't that big of a deal if they haven't. It helps more with routines, etc than academics.

It really depends on what kind of preschool you have access to vs. your child's home environment.

Surprised no one has already said this.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Most kids do not go to preschool prior to K. Maybe on DCUM but normally, no.

I can completely, honestly say that I do not know a SINGLE person personally who skipped preschool.

Same here. I don't know and children who skipped it. Not one.

Anonymous wrote:Not necessary.
-A preschool teacher

Honestly, I think an opinion of a kindergarten teacher would be more important. Of course it not necessary from a PS teacher's perspective, but it will likely impact their performance and adaption into K