Guides
Guides for Abington and Montgomery County Families
A plain language library for parents researching preschool and elementary school in Abington, Jenkintown, Huntingdon Valley, and the surrounding Montgomery County communities. Start anywhere, read at your own pace, and bring your questions with you when you visit campus.
Child Development & Learning
How young children grow, play, and learn, and what that looks like day to day. Plain guidance for parents watching a child move from early curiosity into real academic confidence.
- How Children Learn Best in the Early and Elementary YearsHow do children actually learn in the preschool and elementary years? A research-based guide for parents on play, curiosity, whole-child development, and what to look for in a school.
- What Is Play-Based Learning, and Why It Matters Through ElementaryPlay-based learning explained: what the research actually says, the difference between free and guided play, and why "learning through play" works well beyond preschool.
- Whole-Child Education Explained: Why Social and Emotional Growth Matter as Much as AcademicsWhat does "whole-child education" really mean? A parent's guide to why social and emotional growth matter as much as academics, and what it looks like in a school.
- How to Nurture Curiosity and a Love of Learning in Young KidsCuriosity is a child's greatest learning asset, and it's easy to lose. Practical ways parents and schools can protect and grow a love of learning in the early years.
- Why the Preschool–6th Grade Years Shape a Child MostThe years from preschool through 6th grade shape a child more than any other. Here's what the science says about why these foundational years matter most, and what they need.
- Building Character and Academics Together: What It Looks Like in PracticeCharacter and academics aren't a trade-off. A parent's guide to how strong schools grow both at once, and what that actually looks like in an elementary classroom.
- Screen-Free and Outdoor Learning: Benefits for Elementary-Age ChildrenWhy do screen-light, outdoor-rich schools matter for young kids? A parent's guide to the benefits of outdoor learning and less screen time in the elementary years.
- Supporting a Smooth Transition from Preschool to ElementaryThe jump from preschool to elementary school is a big one. A parent's guide to what changes, what's normal, and how to help your child start strong and confident.
- How to Tell If Your Child Is Thriving at SchoolGrades don't tell the whole story. A parent's guide to the real signs a child is thriving at school, and the warning signs worth paying attention to.
Choosing a Preschool
What to look for, what to ask, and how to tell a strong early childhood program from a merely convenient one. Written for families comparing options across Abington and eastern Montgomery County.
- Preschool vs. Pre-K vs. Daycare: What's the Difference?Preschool, pre-K, and daycare get used interchangeably, but they're not the same. A parent's guide to how they differ in age, hours, learning goals, and cost.
- What Age Should a Child Start Preschool?When should a child start preschool? A parent's guide to preschool age, readiness signs that matter more than birthday, and how to know your child is ready.
- Kindergarten Readiness: What Kids Need by Age 5What does kindergarten readiness actually mean? A parent's guide to the social, emotional, language, and pre-academic skills children need by age 5, and how to help.
- How to Choose a Preschool: A Parent's ChecklistChoosing a preschool feels high-stakes. A practical parent's checklist covering safety, class size, curriculum, staff, and the questions to ask on every tour.
Private School Guidance
Independent school basics: how these schools work, how they differ from public and parochial options, and how to weigh the decision for your family.
- How to Choose a Private Elementary School in Montgomery CountyA parent's guide to choosing a private elementary school in Montgomery County, PA: what to evaluate, questions to ask, and how to find the right fit for your child.
- Private Preschool: What to Look ForConsidering a private preschool? A parent's guide to what actually distinguishes a strong independent preschool program, and the questions worth asking on a tour.
- Independent vs. Private vs. Parochial School: What the Labels Mean"Private," "independent," and "parochial" school get used interchangeably, but they mean different things. A clear parent's guide to the differences that matter.
- Questions to Ask on a Private School Tour (Printable Checklist)A private school tour goes fast. This printable checklist of the questions that actually reveal what a school is like, plus the red flags worth watching for.
- Small Class Sizes: What a 12:1 Ratio Actually Changes"Small classes" is a common selling point, but what does it actually change for your child? A parent's guide to how class size shapes learning, day to day.
- Private School Tuition and Financial Aid at Meadowbrook: What It Costs and How Aid WorksWhat does private school cost at Meadowbrook? Real 2026-2027 tuition by grade, plus how need-based financial aid works, who should apply, and how.
- Public vs. Private School in Montgomery County: How to DecidePublic or private school in Montgomery County? A balanced, honest guide to the real trade-offs, so you can decide what actually fits your child and family.
- Private vs. Public Elementary: What You're Actually Paying ForPrivate school tuition buys something specific. An honest look at what you're actually paying for versus public elementary, and whether it's worth it for your family.
- Is Private Elementary School Worth It? An Honest LookIs private elementary school worth the cost? An honest, balanced look at when it's genuinely worth it, when it isn't, and how to decide for your own child.
Admissions & Enrollment
Timelines, applications, visits, and financial planning. Everything that happens between your first inquiry and your child's first day.
- What Happens on a School Tour (and How to Prepare Your Child)Not sure what to expect on a private school tour, or whether to bring your child? A parent's guide to what happens, what to look for, and how to prepare your kid.
- The Private School Application Process, Step by StepThe private school application process, explained step by step for parents, from first inquiry to enrollment, so you know exactly what to expect and when.
- When to Start Looking and Applying for Private Elementary SchoolWhen should you start the private school search? A parent's guide to admissions timing, how far ahead to look, when to apply, and why starting early matters.
- Transferring Your Child to a New School Mid-Year: How to Make It SmoothSwitching schools mid-year? A parent's guide to transferring a child off-cycle, when it makes sense, how the logistics work, and how to ease the adjustment.