6 Online Preschools to Keep an Eye On
Now that the pandemic has transitioned to endemic status, more families are trying to figure out if in-person or online makes sense for their child and family. For some families virtual or homeschooling became a new norm for them, as it provides more flexibility and stability no matter where you live or travel, or a sense of safety in light of current national or world events. For those choosing to either home school or pursue virtual schooling, it can be hard to filter through all the different options on the market. Almost every type of school and learning center in the nation rushed to offer some sort of virtual learning option when the pandemic first started. Some of these schools built their programs for longevity and others stopped providing these online services all together. We searched high and low for the ones that cut through the noise and expanded their programs to serve families beyond the pandemic.
We highlighted areas of each program to compare
Mighty Kids Virtual Academy
www.mightykidsvirtualacademy.com
From the Website:
“Mighty Kids Virtual Academy stands out from any other homeschool program currently offered. We evaluate each child individually not just by subject, but by 30 individual standards. No student receives the same curriculum on their learning path. Our video lessons are leveled and released to your child by those 30 standards. We don’t just level curriculum by large subjects such as Math, Writing, and Language but by between 5 and 14 individual standards within each of those subjects. No other program provides this.”
Ages:
2-6
Prices Range:
$35-$225/mo.
Program Offerings:
Toddler, Preschool, PreK, Kindergarten
Features
Digital Learning
Zoom Classes
Ala Carte Extracurricular Classes for all ages up to adult
2 week free trial for homeschool essentials program, risk free money back 7 day guarantee for Zoom preschool programs
Headquarters:
Seattle, WA
Uniqueness:
The Comprehensive assessments that level students’ learning videos into 30 standards instead of just into a few larger subjects is quite unique.
School Awards:
Hulafrog Most Loved Virtual Preschool, EdTech Awards Finalist
2. Growing Brilliant Online Preschool Academy
www.growingbrilliant.com
From the Website:
“An interactive and accelerated online preschool academy that works! We truly believe that we have assembled the best teachers, the highest quality curriculum, and a perfect learning environment for children. The only way to get a Growing Brilliant education is in Growing Brilliant’s online preschool classes!”
Ages:
2-6
Prices Range:
$136-$300/mo.
Program Offerings:
Toddler, Preschool, PreK, Kindergarten
Features
Digital Learning
Zoom Classes
Extracurricular Classes
1 free class
Headquarters:
Roseville, CA
Uniqueness:
They mail you a box of supplies rather than a supply list.
3. Playgarden Prep Online
www.playgardenonline.com
From the Website:
“Playgarden Prep's online preschool is a premier online preschool program offering children 2-4 years old a private preschool experience at home! The Online Preschool program offers a private preschool curriculum, lessons with certified teachers, hands-on learning tools, and a daily learning schedule.”
Ages:
2-5
Prices Range:
$40-$400/mo.
Program Offerings:
Preschool, PreK
Features
Digital Learning
Zoom Classes
Extracurricular Classes
Headquarters:
New York, NY
Uniqueness:
Music library available in addition to video library and zoom classes
4. Learn and Play Montessori
www.learnandplaymontessori.com
From the Website:
“We are excited to offer our best-in-class Montessori-based Preschool, PreK, TK and Kindergarten learning online! While we strenuously maintain our in-person classes at multiple San Francisco Bay Area, California, campuses. We also offer exciting Remote Learning options! Our Remote Learning utilizes Montessori-inspired curriculum, combined with engaging activities including Science experiments, Number Literacy, Character Education, Phonetic Awareness with Kindergarten and 1st Grade Readiness, just like what we are providing in our In-Person Classes. We offer online learning programs for children from three years to six years old and every age in between.”
Ages:
3-5
Prices Range:
$545/mo.
Program Offerings:
Preschool, PreK, Kindergarten
Features
Digital Learning
Zoom Classes
Extracurricular Classes
Headquarters:
Dublin, CA
Uniqueness:
This is an in-person school with an online arm unlike most of the schools on our list.
5. Digital Preschool
www.digitalpreschool.com
Real School, Done Online!
From the Website:
“With Digital Preschools programs, your child will learn through carefully designed play based learning activities that align with the common core standards. We have combined all the best qualities of Montessori, Reggio Emilia, and Waldorf into one amazing curriculum, for you to do at home, with ease.
We love what we do and are sure you will too!”
Ages:
3-5
Prices Range:
$75-$450/mo.
Program Offerings:
Preschool, PreK
Features
Digital Learning
Zoom Classes
Extracurricular Classes
Headquarters:
New York, NY
Uniqueness:
This school has been doing some restructuring post-covid and their website says they will be relaunching with a new structure soon.
6. Whiz Kid Academy
www.whizkidacademy.com
Our Mission: To fully prepare every child for Kindergarten!
From the website:
“Whiz Kid Academy is an online, teacher-led Pre-K program, guaranteed to help your child excel in reading, writing, math, science, and more! Our Pre-K3, Pre-K4, and Pre-K5 programs feature on-demand and live class options that are adaptable for all child and family needs.”
Ages:
3-5
Prices Range:
$128-$249/mo
Program Offerings:
Preschool, PreK
Features:
Digital Learning
Zoom Classes
Extracurricular Classes
Headquarters:
Rockville, MD
Uniqueness:
They have a specific special needs program unlike any other online academy we’ve come across.
