Early Childhood Education- Daycare or Private School?

When it is time for your young child to begin his/her early education, most parents are perplexed and overwhelmed by the decision.  Private schools, such as Beacon Hill can provide a familiar place for your child all the way up to 8th grade!  That means the child has a comfortable, consistent place, where he or she will thrive.  Research has shown that children who jump from daycare to daycare do not learn to their full potential and oftentimes become introverted and shy or develop behavior problems (Coley et al., 2011).   If you start your child at a private school during these same years, your child can build relationships with teachers and fellow students while developing confidence in the surroundings.  Hence, the curriculum and child’s learning is fluid and natural as is the transition from grade level to grade level.

Talented Staff

Most daycare centers don’t have the education rooted staff that private schools require.  At Beacon Hill, we have a highly experienced and educated staff.   Beginning as early as one year old, teachers are planning for your child’s successful holistic education; not just watching your child and fulfilling basic needs.  The Council for American Private Education lists many reasons why private schools have high levels of success and excel in student achievement. 

From a study and review with prominent child care experts  (care.com, 2017), the following 10 concerns were identified in daycare centers:

  • Poor supervision
  • Under-trained staff
  • Improperly administered medication 
  • Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS)
  • Poisons and toxic substances 
  • Nursery products and equipment unsafe or unsanitary
  • Transmission of Illness
  • Food safety concerns
  • Lacking emergency preparations and plans 
  • Inadequate or lack of background checks for staff

A private school is concerned about the items above as they are building long -term relationships with parents and students.  Think of a private school as a continuing, secure growth option for your child.  

Can Daycare Centers be Accredited?

According to Dr. Richard Fiene, a child care researcher and retired professor of human development and psychology at Pennsylvania State University, fewer than 10 percent of U.S. day cares are accredited.  While accreditation is not a requirement or a 100 percent guarantee of quality care, he adds, “It’s a voluntary system and generally it indicates that providers have a real commitment to quality.”

What About Cost and Hours?

Many parents think of private school and automatically assume that the fees will be too high and that the operating hours will not work for them.  In fact, Beacon Hill School operates from 6:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m Monday -Friday.  Additionally, when costs are compared, the school is generally the same in fees as a basic daycare.  Plus, Beacon Hill School accepts scholarships such as SUFS, ELC, Gardiner, and McKay.  At Beacon Hill School, students and families get so much more, oftentimes for LESS!

Contact Beacon Hill School  to find out more about our early childhood programs and to enroll your child.  We are happy to assist in making this transition a smooth and beneficial one for your family. 

Find Out More About Our School Programs


What Parents are Saying

This school is wonderful. My son has been behind in everything due to his previous school, but is catching up tremendously thanks to Beacon Hill Hollywood. THE STAFF IS WONDERFUL...”
- Parent
“I absolutely love this Beacon Hill School!!!
My son has been attending since he was 2yrs turning 3yrs, now he is 4yrs old and in his second year at Beacon Hill School!
My son is thriving...”
- Parent
“My son came from public school where he wasn't doing so well academically and socially. I took him out of public school and enrolled him in BH.
He's doing so much better in his academics he has made the Honor Roll for Q1 and Q2...”

- Parent

“Beacon Hill is an amazing school. The Principal is a consummate professional who has committed herself to the relationship she has with students, parents and faculty. The programs are far advanced...”

- Parent

“My daughter has completed her second year at Beacon Hill School. She
will be starting the 1st grade on Aug. 5th this year. She has completed
the national based exam SAT for kinder-gardeners and scored a perfect
score...”

- Parent

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Beacon Hill School have Pre-Kindergarten?

Yes, the Early Childhood Department consists of programs for children of 1 year , twos, threes, and Junior Kindergarten.

Public schools and many Kindergartens have usually around 180 days or so for attendance. How many days does Beacon Hill School Pre-Kindergarten have?

Our Early Childhood Department and grades are in session for 212 days.

Are classes full with many students?

We believe in keeping our classes small so that the needs of each individual can be met. We cap classes at 14 for Early childhood and 22 for grades.

Does the school teach on or with computers?

We are extremely proud of our state-of-the-art computer lab. We have 20 Pentium processors that are networked together and are connected to the Internet at 1 G speed.  We utilize a filtered platform from a web company. Our computer classes are taught by a computer systems analyst and includes developing keyboarding skills, understanding how to use the word processor, setting up databases, and working with spreadsheets.

Do students at Beacon Hill School do standard testing and do well?

Our student body has traditionally scored better than the local public schools and above the national average on the standardized tests.

How does the school deal with standards?

Students who attend Beacon Hill School are expected to maintain very high standards, both academically and socially. The Parent-Student Handbook outlines in detail policies concerning homework, tests, grading, honor roll, student behavior and disciplinary procedures.

What options are available in the summer time at Beacon Hill School?

Beacon Hill School has Summer Camp in July. This program has been in place for more than 60 years. We have a robust active Summer Camp. Besides all types of learning we also have acres of fun featuring swimming, sports, field trips and special events for an unforgettable experience! We open at 6:30am to 6pm from the start of July to the end of July for our Hollywood area Summer Camp.

How long has Beacon Hill School been established and is it a family owned or a corporate school franchise?

Founded by Irving and Cherie Liss in 1959, Beacon Hill School continues to be run by the Liss family under the leadership of Executive Director Andrew Liss. Beacon Hill School is an independent, traditional, all-faith, coeducational school incorporating preschool through grade eight in Hollywood, Florida.

Private schools can be very good but can lack some standard accreditations and school memberships, how does Beacon Hill School fair with this?

Beacon Hill School is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, the Association of Independent Schools of Florida, and the Commission on International and Trans-Regional Accreditation, Middle States and is a member of the National Council for Private School Accreditation and the Broward County Non Public School Association. We also have many awards and achievements.

Does the school have science classes and any special subjects for children?

We have a fully equipped Science Laboratory. Our academic program consists of English, reading, social studies, science, and mathematics as well as the special subjects of computers, Spanish, art, physical education, and music/dance/drama. Our curriculum meets and exceeds all requirements of both the State of Florida and Broward County.