Why Kindergarten Matters, and Why a Private Kinder Might Be the Smart Choice

Kindergarten is a big deal. It’s where kids transition from early play-based learning into more “serious” learning. While the State of California offers public kindergarten, many Bay Area parents quickly learn that the “free” option isn’t as good as it sounds.
Let’s break it down.

Public kindergarten in California is usually part-day. This means your child may only be in class for 3 to 4 hours per day. What does this mean for parents? It can mean a scheduling nightmare and the necessity of adding a paid after school program. What does it mean for children? It means less time learning. For these reasons, many affluent parents choose a private option. Many pleasantly find that the costs aren’t as different as you’d expect due to the need for a private after school program, and due to the “hidden” costs of parents dealing with unruly state schedules. With the public option, parents can be forced to to find before- or after-school care, often at an additional cost. Now they are coordinating drop-offs, pick-ups, and a patchwork of programs, none of which are guaranteed to work together smoothly.

Let’s look at another layer in this comparison. Sadly, many public kindergartens are overcrowded. Teachers often manage large classes with limited help, and the kids can have wildly different learning levels. Some children are ready to read; others are still learning how to sit in a chair. There can also be behavior problems. It’s harsh. But it can be the truth. That’s tough on the teacher, and it can be tough on your child. Now, let’s make this clear. We support public education, and we believe that there are many excellent schools in the Bay Area, including those in Palo Alto. But often it’s the later grades that are better, not the early start.

At Learn And Play Montessori School, our kindergarten programs offers a distinct alternative to the public one. (Note: not ALL campuses offer kindergarten, so please call and check which campus works for you). We offer a full-day, year-round kindergarten experience. That’s right. It means no scrambling for aftercare, no summer learning gaps, and no early pick-up headaches. We’re open early and stay open late to support busy Bay Area parents who need more than a few hours of coverage. And most importantly? Motivated learners fill our classrooms.

Due to our Montessori-inspired environment, students are encouraged to explore, ask questions, and develop at their own pace. We blend this classic, child-led method with hands-on STEM learning, encompassing science, technology, engineering, and math. Let’s face it. Your child needs to love to learn. And your child needs to learn the basics. As Maria Montessori said, “Education is a natural process carried out by the child and is not acquired by listening to words but by experiences in the environment.” At Learn And Play®, we create an environment that supports your child with tools, cooperative teaching, and other children who also want to get along and learn together. Kids in our program build, measure, investigate, and create. They don’t just memorize—they understand. That’s the kind of learning that creates true confidence. Why not invest in a program that offers everything in one place? Convenient hours, strong academics, and a joyful learning space? As Mark Twain once said, “The secret of getting ahead is getting started.” Give your child the start they deserve. Because kindergarten matters. And your child is ready.