What is the difference between nursery school and kindergarten?

James Waska Reed
2 min readMay 16, 2023

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Nursery school and kindergarten are both educational institutions that cater to young children, typically between the ages of three to five years. However, there are some differences between the two.

difference between nursery school and kindergarten

Nursery school, also known as pre-school, is an educational institution that focuses on providing care and education to children between the ages of three to four years. The primary aim of nursery school is to prepare children for formal schooling by developing their social, emotional, and physical skills. Nursery school programs typically focus on play-based learning, arts and crafts, and other activities that promote children’s development and readiness for kindergarten.

Kindergarten, on the other hand, is the first formal year of primary school and is intended for children between the ages of five to six years. The primary focus of kindergarten is to introduce children to more structured learning, such as early literacy and numeracy skills, and prepare them for the primary school curriculum. Kindergarten programs typically involve more structured classroom activities, such as group work, circle time, and basic reading and writing exercises.

In summary, nursery school focuses on preparing children for formal schooling, while kindergarten is the first year of primary school where children are introduced to structured learning.

Related: Ultimate Difference Between Kindergarten and Childcare 2023

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James Waska Reed

My blog is a treasure trove of resources, insights, and creative ideas tailored specifically for preschoolers.