Schools
Pre-K Jump: 10 Percent Increase in Preschool Tuition Proposed
Increases would range from $200 to $300 annually for three- and four- half day a week students.
The head of the schools' preschool program is proposing a 10 percent increase for those children who spend 12 or less hours per week – half days – from $9 to $9.90 per hour while keeping the rate unchanged for those students who attend all-day pre-K in the coming school year.
In a memo to Director of Student Services Ken Kramer, Peg Hamilton, the district's early childhood liaison, said the program "could tolerate" the increase "and continue to draw sufficient students," in the report presented to the Belmont School Committee on Tuesday, Nov. 12.
Under the 10 percent increase, Belmont preschool parents will be shelling out an extra $200 (for three-day a week) to $300 an hour (for four-day a week).
What they are now paying between $2,900 and $3,900 a year for preK will increase to $3,200 and $4,200.
"Historically we try to stay competitive with area public schools and lower than community schools, who may offer a wider range of daycare options," wrote Hamilton.
She points to several private preschool tuition rates in comparison, including:
- Kendall Preschool, Belmont (3.5 hrs/day) $13.30 an hour, $8,380 a year.
- Belmont Coop, Belmont (2.75 hrs/day) $10.31 an hour, $6,450 a year.
- Evergreen, Cambridge (5 hrs/day) $11.72 an hour, $8,440 a year.
The School Committee's Financial subcommittee will now mull over the suggested increase with Hamilton in the near future.
Clarification: Caroline Dupree, the director of the Belmont Cooperative Nursery School, wrote to say that tuition and hours used by Ms. Hamilton in her memo are incorrect.
"We run a 2, 3, and 4 day program with an annual fee of $2,419, $3,789 and $4,901. Classes run from 9 a.m. to noon for (all students)," said Dupree.
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