First Cubby — Compare & Tour Preschools

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Side-by-side on the things that actually differ — cost, hours, potty policy, distance — with the next step one tap away.

Where they are

All active schools, measured from home (🏠). Passed schools are hidden.

Educational philosophies

The core methodologies and what each means for a 3-year-old's development.

Philosophy	Core focus	Classroom environment	Academic approach
Montessori	Independence & self-discipline	Structured, self-correcting tactile materials	Individualized; hands-on concepts
Play-Based	Social-emotional growth & peer interaction	Open, dynamic, pretend-play areas	Embedded naturally in play
Progressive (Reggio)	Creativity, community & expression	Aesthetic, natural light, open materials	Project-based; driven by student interests
Traditional	Kindergarten readiness & structure	Structured desks, clear zones	Direct instruction; milestones

Deep dive into each approach

Montessori

The Montessori method operates on the belief that children are inherently driven to learn and thrive when given the freedom to choose their own "work." Classrooms typically feature mixed age groups.

The daily experience: A child enters a quiet, orderly room, selects a specific material from a low shelf, carries it to a small mat, and works with it independently for an uninterrupted block of time.

Context for a 3-year-old:At three, children typically enter the 3–6 "Primary" classroom, transitioning from being the oldest toddlers to the youngest in the room. The focus is heavily on "Practical Life" (pouring water, buttoning coats, sweeping) to build fine motor control and extreme independence. Because teachers act as guides, full potty training is usually a strict requirement to enter.

Play-Based / Developmental

Grounded in the understanding that play is the primary vehicle for early childhood learning. It prioritizes social-emotional development.

The daily experience: The day revolves around choice-driven play centers — blocks, dramatic dress-up, water tables, art. Teachers observe and introduce concepts naturally.

Context for a 3-year-old:Three-year-olds are in a major transition from "parallel play" (next to a peer) to "cooperative play" (with a peer). This environment is ideal for that messy transition, as teachers actively help them share, negotiate, and regulate the big emotions that peak at this age.

Reggio Emilia (Progressive)

Originating in Italy, this philosophy views children as strong, capable, and full of potential. It emphasizes the "Hundred Languages of Children."

The daily experience: The curriculum is emergent. If a child finds a snail on the playground, the teacher might turn it into a weeks-long deep dive — sketching snails, building clay models, reading books.

Context for a 3-year-old:At three, language explodes and children begin asking "why" constantly. Reggio harnesses this curiosity by treating their questions as serious inquiries, turning a fascination with shadows or bugs into clay, paint, and light-table projects that validate their capability.

Traditional / Academic

Highly structured and teacher-directed, closely mimicking an elementary school environment.

The daily experience: The schedule is strictly segmented — the teacher leads circle time, followed by blocks for phonics worksheets, tracing letters, and recess.

Context for a 3-year-old:This setting expects a 3-year-old to begin adapting to formal school behaviors: sitting quietly during circle time, walking in lines, following multi-step directions. It builds kindergarten readiness fast, but can be demanding for high-energy 3-year-olds who still need frequent movement.

Waldorf

Waldorf education focuses on educating the whole child — head, hands, and heart. It emphasizes strong daily, weekly, and seasonal rhythms.

The daily experience: The day feels homelike — baking bread, watercolor painting, circle games, gardening, long outdoor play. Toys are open-ended.

Context for a 3-year-old:Three-year-olds thrive on predictability, which gives them a deep sense of safety. Waldorf's strict daily and weekly rhythms (Tuesday is bread-baking, Wednesday is painting) are soothing for this age, removing the anxiety of unpredictable transitions.