How to Choose a Preschool: 7 Key Criteria

The registration form is sitting on the desk, and three school brochures are piled up next to your coffee cup. Between public schools, private schools under contract with the government, and independent schools, the options seem numerous and very difficult to compare. How can you choose a preschool that suits your child’s needs and fits your lifestyle?

To learn how to choose a preschool, first evaluate the three fundamental criteria: the commute, the schedule, and the care provided to the children. Then consider the teaching approach, language exposure, class sizes, and after-school programs to help you make your final decision.

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Where should you start when looking for a preschool?

To get your search off to a good start, determine your key criteria before you begin the application process. Establishing this approach will help you avoid feeling overwhelmed by the abundance of information.

The first step is to define your family’s living situation. Consider where you live, your work schedule, and your budget, if any. Also take your child’s personality into account: does he or she need a highly structured environment or personalized support to develop independence?

Be sure to check the timeline for the enrollment process as well. To prepare for the administrative steps and find out what supporting documents you’ll need to provide, consult our guide on enrollment documents for private schools. Take the time to review the preschool enrollment timeline so you can meet each deadline without rushing.

What are the three non-negotiable criteria in everyday life?

The three non-negotiable criteria are geographic proximity, the daily schedule, and the staff. These three factors are essential to your child’s well-being and the daily balance of the entire family.

• Distance and commute: A commute longer than twenty minutes can be tiring for a young child. Choose a school close to home or work to make morning and evening commutes easier.
• Daily Routine and Rest: Managing naps and quiet time remains a key focus for children ages 2 to 6. Does the school offer a suitable nap room or a personalized schedule tailored to each student’s needs?
• Staffing and Adult-to-Student Ratio: The presence of qualified teachers ensures a safe environment. Find out how many adults are in the classroom and how stable the teaching staff is.

What are the four criteria used to rank schools?

The four selection criteria include the educational approach, language learning, class size, and after-school care. They help you choose the most stimulating environment for your child.

• The Educational Approach: Find out if the school follows the official curriculum while also offering active teaching methods that encourage hands-on learning. To learn more about this topic, explore our detailed approach on the page dedicated to our educational approach.
• Language development: Learning a second language comes more naturally during the early years. Assess the emphasis placed on English: Is it just an occasional introduction, or is it genuine, daily immersion with native speakers?
• Class sizes: Smaller class sizes allow teachers to adapt to each child's pace and provide personalized support.
• After-school programs and childcare: Review the schedule of Wednesday and after-school activities to ensure educational continuity.

How can you evaluate each criterion when visiting a school?

A tour of the facility is a key opportunity to confirm your impressions and ask questions of the administration or teaching staff. Preparing a list of specific questions will help ensure you don’t forget anything on the day of your appointment.

As you tour the classrooms, take note of the layout of the spaces, the materials provided, and how clean the areas are. Observe how the children interact with each other and with adults. Are their interactions calm and kind? Do the arrangements encourage motor skills development and free play?

Ask the administration about the daily routine and how new students adjust. Ask how outings to the park and mealtimes are organized.

What steps is theÉcole M taking to meet these expectations?

École M structured its programs to provide a supportive yet challenging learning environment for every student. Our network welcomes children starting in preschool at schools designed to foster their growth and development.

École M 's educational program is based on the French national curriculum, supplemented by six pillars: personalized instruction, active learning methods, French-English bilingualism, social-emotional development, the school-family partnership, and environmental citizenship. This balance ensures that each student receives support tailored to their individual needs.

Each class at theÉcole M is a mixed-ability class and has about 20 children, supervised by two teachers. This setting allows for individualized attention for each student.

At theÉcole M, the tour is led by the school principal or the admissions director, who will answer your questions and show you around the classrooms and facilities. This visit will help you feel confident in your decision.

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