For families with young children, choosing between daycare and Pre-K is one of the first major education decisions they make; and Staten Island Academy offers a strong option to consider.
The decision often starts with practical questions: What are the hours? Is the location convenient? Will my child be safe, supported, and happy? What will it cost?
But for parents of 3- and 4-year-olds, another question arises: What is my child receiving during these important early years?
Across New York, full-time childcare can be a significant investment. Costs vary by a child’s age, location, program type, and daily schedule. Families often compare daycare centers, home-based care, nursery programs, public options, and independent school Pre-K programs to decide what makes the most sense.
For many parents, comparing The Academy’s Early Childhood Program with other full-time care options in the New York area may be more surprising than expected.
The Cost of Childcare in New York
Childcare costs in New York can vary widely, but the numbers are often significant:
- Monthly childcare costs in New York can range from about $1,300 to more than $3,000, depending on the type of care and region.
- The average annual cost of center-based care in New York is $20,439 for infants and $18,661 for toddlers.
- Average annual family-based care in New York is reported at $16,415 for infants and $15,516 for toddlers.
- Private childcare in New York City ranged from $16,900 to $26,000 annually in the most recent NYC Comptroller report available.
- Some New York-area daycare options can exceed $3,000 per month, depending on location, age, care type, and hours.
- Staten Island Academy full-time Pre-K tuition is $21,400 for 2025–2026, which includes 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM extended day and art, music, technology and physical education.
Depending on the program, location, and hours of care, SIA Pre-K may be more comparable to full-time daycare than many families expect. The difference is what comes with it: extended day coverage, early childhood curriculum, enrichment, and a school community designed to add more value for families seeking both care and growth.
What SIA Pre-K Includes
At Staten Island Academy, Pre-K is more than a place for children to spend the day. It is the beginning of a child’s academic journey within a Pre-K3 through Grade 12 independent school community.
The Academy’s Pre-Kindergarten Program is designed for 3- and 4-year-olds who are building the skills they need to become confident, curious learners. Through age-appropriate activities and meaningful routines, children are encouraged to explore, investigate, create, and collaborate.
The Academy’s Early Childhood Curriculum supports the whole child: academic, emotional, social, and physical. Children are introduced to early literacy, writing, math, social studies, technology, library, and specialty areas through hands-on learning.
At this age, a child who listens to a story, counts objects, observes nature, creates artwork, or learns to name an emotion is building real skills. These experiences support confidence, connection, and growth.
The Value of Enrichment
One important difference between daycare and Pre-K at The Academy is the range of enrichment students experience throughout the week.
Pre-K students participate in specialty classes that may include:
- Physical Education
- American Sign Language
- Art
- Music
- Science
- Library
- Emotions A-Z
These experiences are not just extras; they are pathways to help children discover new interests and build confidence in different ways.
The Benefit of a School Community
Another meaningful benefit of SIA Pre-K is that children become part of a larger school community from the beginning.
For many families, Pre-K is the first step into school life. Children begin learning classroom routines, building relationships with teachers, navigating friendships, and developing the confidence to participate in a group. They also begin to understand what it feels like to belong to a school.
At SIA, young learners are part of a community that continues through Lower School, Middle School, and Upper School. The habits they build early, including curiosity, kindness, independence, communication, and resilience, have room to grow year after year.
For parents, that continuity can offer peace of mind. Instead of focusing only on daily care, families can consider long-term growth.
See the Difference in Person
The early years are too important to choose based solely on cost. They deserve a closer look.
If your family is comparing daycare and Pre-K options, Staten Island Academy invites you to visit campus, explore the Pre-K 3 and Pre-K 4 programs, and see what makes the Early Childhood experience different.
Contact Staten Island Academy today to schedule a tour or speak with an admissions representative.
