Preschool Cost in Boston, MA (2026)
Full-time and part-time preschool tuition, plus Montessori, nanny, and free pre-K options for ages 3–5 in the Boston metro area
Full-time preschool in Boston costs $1,458/month at a licensed daycare center — about $3,000/year less than toddler care, as caregiver ratios improve for the 3–5 age group. Part-time programs (3 days/week) run approximately $948/month.
Families who want structured early education without the full daycare price can also explore free Head Start or state pre-K, or use an in-home daycare with a preschool curriculum at $1,125/month. Run our calculator with zip code 02101 for your personalized estimate.
Boston Preschool Cost by Type (2026)
| Program Type | Annual | Monthly | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Daycare-Based Preschool (full-time) | $17,500 | $1,458 | 5 days/week, licensed center |
| Daycare-Based Preschool (part-time) | $11,375 | $948 | ~3 days/week |
| In-Home Family Daycare | $13,500 | $1,125 | Small group, home setting |
| Montessori Preschool | ~$22,750 | ~$1,896 | Typically 20–40% above standard rates |
| Nanny Share | $20,000 | $1,667 | Two families, one nanny |
| Full-Time Nanny | $35,500 | $2,958 | One-on-one, most flexible |
| Head Start / Public Pre-K | Free | Free | Income-based or lottery; part-day only |
Full-time costs reflect 50 weeks/year. Part-time at 65% of full-time cost is an industry average. Sources: Care.com 2024 Cost of Care Survey, DOL National Database of Childcare Prices.
Free & Subsidized Preschool Options in Boston
- Head Start: Federally funded, free preschool for income-eligible 3–4 year olds. Covers part-day programming. Check Head Start center locator for Boston locations.
- Massachusetts Pre-K: Massachusetts offers publicly funded pre-K programs for 4-year-olds in many school districts. Availability and income eligibility vary by district. Contact your local school district for details.
- Church/religious programs: Many Boston churches offer "Mother's Day Out" or preschool programs at $7,000–$10,500/year — well below standard rates.
- Co-op preschools: Parent-run cooperatives trade volunteer hours for reduced tuition, typically saving 20–30% vs. standard programs.
- Massachusetts childcare subsidies: Working families may qualify for state assistance covering preschool costs. See our Massachusetts subsidy guide.
Preschool vs. Daycare in Boston: What's the Difference?
In Boston, the terms "preschool" and "daycare" often describe the same programs. The practical differences:
- Hours: Traditional preschools run 3 hours/day (9am–12pm). Daycare-based preschools run full-day (7am–6pm) with wrap-around care.
- Curriculum: Preschool-labeled programs typically have a more structured early education curriculum. Many daycare centers also offer curriculum-based learning.
- Cost: A standalone "preschool" (3 hrs/day) often costs $948/month. Full-day care with a preschool curriculum runs $1,458/month.
- Licensing: Both must be licensed in Massachusetts. Look for NAEYC accreditation as a quality indicator.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is preschool per month in Boston?
Full-time preschool in Boston averages $1,458/month ($17,500/year). A part-time 3-day-per-week schedule costs about $948/month. Costs range from free (Head Start / public pre-K) to $2,042/month for premium Montessori programs.
What age is preschool in Boston?
Preschool programs in Boston typically serve ages 3–5. Some programs start at 2.5 years. Kindergarten readiness programs and pre-K serve 4-year-olds. Children start kindergarten in Massachusetts at age 5–6.
Is Montessori worth the extra cost in Boston?
Montessori preschool in Boston typically costs $22,750/year or more — about $5,250 extra annually vs. standard programs. Research on Montessori outcomes is mixed for middle-income families but more positive for lower-income children. A high-quality accredited standard preschool at $1,458/mo is a strong choice for most families.
Can I use a Dependent Care FSA for preschool in Boston?
Yes — licensed preschool tuition qualifies for the Dependent Care FSA if your child is under age 13 and both parents are working. You can contribute up to $5,000/year pre-tax, saving $1,000–$2,000 depending on your tax bracket. Head Start and public pre-K don't typically qualify because they're free.
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