While preparatory schools typically enrol children ages 8 to 13 to prepare them for the Common Entrance Exam, pre-prep schools enrol children up to age 8. Pre-prep schools are essential preparation for preparatory schools and your child’s later education. There are many advantages that pre-prep schools offer that are making them a very attractive option for an increasing number of parents these days. Let’s look at some of the benefits of a private pre-prep school.

Quality

Pre-prep schools tend to have a smaller student to teacher ratio than public schools. This provides your children with as much attention as possible as they learn the basics. Each child’s education is neatly tailored to them and this sets the stage for doing well in state schools. The close personal relationships they form give them the confidence to succeed later in life versus the chronic anxiety one encounters if spending all day in a crowded daycare or unruly public school followed by an afternoon home alone waiting for parents to come home.

One caveat is that not all prep schools are of equally high-quality, and the same is true of pre-prep schools. Many prep and pre-prep schools offer rigorous academic preparation and personalized guidance for students. However, some people assume all pre-prep schools are off the same standard, but that’s not true. Research the track record of these schools and their reputation. You’ll find that independent pre-prep schools in West London like Clifton Lodge are well regarded and have a proven track record, while many other pre-prep schools charge for the “pre-preparatory” title but don’t do better than good public schools.

Preparation for Advanced Education

Children in elite pre-prep schools learn proper behaviour and self-discipline at an early age, reducing the odds they’ll face disciplinary problems later in life. This will also ensure they charm their public school teachers with good behaviour, increasing the odds they’ll be recommended for advanced classes. You’re a step ahead of those who enrol children in public school and improve the odds your child will make it to a top independent or grammar school. Yes, prep-prep makes it easier to get into the best state primary schools, though schools with faith-based selection criteria or localized catchment areas are exceptions to this rule. Private pre-prep schools aren’t bound by these rules and are open to anyone who can pay; scholarships are often available.

Opportunity to Excel

Pre-prep schools provide a literally safe environment free from bullies and the violence that often plagues public schools. It also offers care after-school in a variety of forms. Whether you want your child to try out for drama clubs, sports, or science-based interest groups, your child has the opportunity to explore potential interests in a supportive environment where they won’t be abused if they make a mistake. This is aside from the benefit of simpler scheduling for parents. When you enrol your child in a pre-prep school, there’s plenty of enriching activities to choose from instead of trying to shuttle your child between extracurricular activities and meetings with a tutor.

Unbeatable Preschool Educational Opportunities

Enrolling a child in pre-prep school at three won’t make much of a difference in their pre-literacy skills, but language immersion, whether teaching them English when you come from an immigrant household or immersing an English-speaking child in French, will ensure they speak the language fluently before they hit school age. Likewise, beginning an instrument at three and four years old will make them sound like a prodigy before they hit prep school.

Good pre-prep schools prepare your child for preparatory school or public school, reinforcing both academic skills and the social skills they need to succeed. Parents can send their children to these schools knowing it is a safe environment for their children and gives them the opportunity to explore their interests.