Preschool or Pre-School? (Which Spelling is Correct?)

Are you confused about whether it’s “preschool” or “pre-school”? The correct spelling might surprise you.

In this article, we will delve into the common spelling variations of this early education term and provide clarity on which one is actually correct.

Let’s dive into the intriguing world of early childhood education and unravel the mystery behind the spelling of one of its most elementary terms: preschool or pre-school?

Preschool or Pre-School?

Both “preschool” and “pre-school” are technically acceptable, though “preschool” is more common. “Preschool” is written as one word because it functions as a single unit, referring to a specific type of school.

So, while “pre-school” makes sense grammatically, “preschool” is the preferred and more widely used spelling.

History of the Term:

• The term “preschool” originated in the United States in the early 19th century.
• It was initially used to describe educational programs for young children before they entered formal schooling.
• In the mid-20th century, the spelling “pre-school” also gained popularity in some regions.
• Both spellings were widely accepted and used interchangeably for several decades.

1. However, with the standardization of English language usage, “preschool” has become more prevalent globally.
2. Today, “preschool” is commonly recognized as the correct and preferred spelling in most English-speaking countries.

Year	Term Usage
1828	First known use of “preschool”
1952	Emergence of “pre-school” spelling
Present	Dominance of “preschool” as the standard term

While both spellings have been historically valid, “preschool” is now considered the more widely accepted and conventional spelling worldwide.

Official Dictionary Spelling:

• According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, the correct spelling is “preschool,” without a hyphen.
• The American Heritage Dictionary also confirms that “preschool” is the standard spelling used in American English.

1. While some may argue for the use of a hyphen in “pre-school,” most official dictionaries have adopted the solid form as one word: “preschool.”
2. It’s essential to follow established language authorities when determining correct spellings, ensuring consistency and clarity in written communication.
3. Therefore, when discussing early childhood education programs for young children before kindergarten, it is recommended to use “preschool” as the accepted spelling according to reputable dictionaries.

Usage in Education:

• The term “preschool” is the most commonly used spelling in educational contexts.
• When referring to early childhood education programs for children under the age of five, “preschool” is the preferred spelling by educators and institutions.
• Educational resources, curriculum materials, and official documents predominantly use “preschool” as the standard spelling.

Comparison Table:

Here is a table comparing the two spellings:

Spelling	Preferred Spelling	Reason
Preschool	Yes	More common and accepted as a single unit referring to a specific school program.
Pre-School	No	Less common, though technically understandable. Hyphen not necessary for widely used terms.

1. Many academic journals and publications follow standardized guidelines that specify using “preschool” over “pre-school.”
2. School websites, educational books, and teaching manuals overwhelmingly favor the single-word form of “preschool.”

Pre School Means Which Class?

Preschool itself isn’t a specific class within a school system. Preschool is a whole separate program or institution designed for young children, typically ages 3 to 5, before they enter kindergarten, which is the first grade in elementary school.

Think of preschool as preparation for kindergarten, where they’ll learn basic skills like letters, numbers, colors, and social interaction through play and activities.

Is Preschool One Word Hyphenated?

Preschool is typically written as one word, without a hyphen.

Here’s why:

• Common Usage: Over time, “preschool” has become the widely accepted and preferred spelling. It functions as a single unit referring to a specific type of school.
• Grammar: While “pre-school” is grammatically correct because “pre” acts as a prefix before “school,” the hyphen is not necessary when the prefix and noun form a commonly used term.

So, “preschool” is the way to go!

Is It Preschooler or Pre Schooler?

You’ll most likely want to use preschooler to refer to a child who attends preschool.

Here’s the breakdown:

• Preschool (one word) is the standard way to spell the educational program for young children.
• Preschooler follows the same logic. It’s a single word that describes a child associated with preschool.

While “pre-schooler” is technically understandable, it’s less common and might look a bit awkward. “Preschooler” is the smoother and more widely accepted choice.