American nurseries and schools - info required

[Melpomene]

Hi,

My dh has had a job interview with a company near San Diego and is keen on the prospect of moving out there. (probably just for 2 or 3 years, because I don't think I'd be allowed to work there.)

We have 2 dds - dd1 is nearly 3, and dd2 is nearly 1. dd1 currently goes to a preschool nursery and if we stay in the UK she'd be due to start school in Sept 2007.

Does anyone know how the system works with nurseries / kindergartens / schools in America? Is it common for 3-year-olds to attend playgroup / preschool in America, as they do in the UK? How much is that likely to cost?

And when would dd1 be able to start school if we go to America?

Any information would be much appreciated.

I'm from San Diego, but moved away from there 14 years ago.

Yes you could find some sort of preschool for the 3yo, but it probably won't be free at 3yo. i think (don't rely 100% on this) it would be free from 4yo. Might depend on local area.

Can't help with fees at 3yo (I can email someone and ask if you really need to know), but cut-off dates for starting proper school (kindergarten) is usually that they have to be 5yo by about 9th December (the cut-off date varies from one school district to next), to start the preceding September; so all children in the class will be 5yo by 9th December or so. Children with birthdays near the cut-off date are ok to delay entry to kindergarten a year if you want.

I have been trying to figure out how children's ability compares, given the different start dates, between England & California. tbh, I don't think it matters much, they pitch it to children's natural abilities for their age.

MY Dad tells me that the USA education system is closely modelled on the Scottish system, btw. So easier to compare primary admissions, expected achievement, between those 2.

hth.

Hi, sorry for the delay in coming back. Many thanks for the info zebrabra. That means our dd would be starting school a year later if we go to the US (2008 instead of 2007).

We'll need to weigh up the options carefully.

Kindergarten is the same as our reception, but they go a year later (ie rising 6). The specifics are dependent on the school district, but usually they go for half-days for the whole school year, but you may be able to pay extra for whole day KG.

Before that, there is private pre-school. Most places start at 3. A typical place would have 3 half-days for three/four year olds and perhaps 4 half-days for four/five year olds. I had kids in private nursery a few years ago, and IIRC it was around $1500 for the year (mid September to mid May).

Some pre-schools are licensed to provide the Kindergarten year, so they can stay on then go straight into first grade. Often these are daycare type places that provide wraparound care.

Do you mean that you wouldn't want to go if your dd1 couldn't start school earlier?

Ds is 3 and he won't start until end of Feb 2008 (on his 5th birthday) and he doesn't HAVE to start until he's 6 (so Feb 2009). We are in NZ.