Key characteristics often include:
* Tuition fees: Parents pay fees to enroll their children. The cost varies greatly depending on location, facilities, and the school's reputation.
* Independent governance: They set their own curriculum, admission policies, and staffing decisions.
* Potentially smaller class sizes: Private schools often have smaller student-to-teacher ratios than public schools.
* Specialized programs: Some private nursery schools may offer specialized programs, such as Montessori, Reggio Emilia, or Waldorf education.
* Specific religious or philosophical affiliations: Some private nursery schools may be affiliated with a particular religion or educational philosophy.
While not always the case, private nursery schools are often perceived as offering a higher standard of care and education, though this is not always guaranteed and depends on the individual school. They may have more resources available, better facilities, or a more selective admissions process.