When you come across the term related to early education for kids, you might wonder whether to write it as preschool or pre-school.
The correct way to write it is ‘preschool’, all one word without a hyphen.
This term is used to describe a school that provides early education to children, typically those who are younger than the age for elementary school or kindergarten.
Even though you may see both versions of the word being used, it’s crucial to remember that ‘pre-school’ with a hyphen is not the standard form.
Preschool or Pre-School? Which is Correct?
The correct spelling in this case is ‘preschool’.
This is because the beginning part of the word ‘pre’ isn’t a separate word that needs a hyphen to link it with ‘school’. In this case, it’s acting like a prefix.
The prefix “pre-” means “before”, so when you say ‘preschool’, you’re talking about the school experience that happens before the usual schooling. You don’t need to use a hyphen when you’re adding “pre-” to change the meaning of the root word ‘school’.
Example of Correct and Wrong Usage
Correct Usage:
- Enroll your child in preschool to jumpstart their learning journey.
- She teaches at a local preschool.
Wrong Usage:
- ❌ Enroll your child in pre-school.
- ❌ She teaches at a local pre-school.
Why Preschool is the correct spelling
‘Preschool’ is a term used for an educational setting or learning space for kids before they start mandatory education in primary school. It’s usually meant for children who are between three and five years old.
The word ‘preschool’ is a compound noun, formed by the prefix “pre-” meaning “before” and the word “school.”
In English, compound words can be:
- open (written as two words, e.g., “ice cream”)
- hyphenated (e.g., “mother-in-law”)
- closed (e.g., “notebook”)
The term “preschool” falls into the closed form, making it the correct spelling.
It’s worth noting that while you might see both ‘preschool’ and ‘pre-school’ being used, ‘preschool’ without a hyphen is the accepted form in most respected English language dictionaries and is considered the correct spelling for everyday use.
Examples of Using “Preschool“ in A Sentence
“My daughter starts preschool next week.“
“They offer a language program at the preschool.“
“He’s not used to the routine of preschool yet.“
“The local library has a story hour for preschool children.“
“We’re looking into different preschool options for our son.“
“The preschool emphasizes learning through play.“
“She teaches art at a local preschool.“
“Her preschool years were spent in a small town.“
“The preschool organizes a field trip every month.“
“We’ve seen significant development in him since he started attending preschool.“
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there any guidelines for when to capitalize the term ‘preschool’?
You should capitalize the word ‘preschool’ only when it is part of a proper noun or at the beginning of a sentence. For example, “You ought to enroll your child in Sunshine Preschool this fall.”
Can I use both ‘preschool’ and ‘pre-school’ interchangeably?
While both versions are understood, ‘preschool’ is the accepted form in formal writing and education contexts. It’s best to stick with ‘preschool’.
Are there any rules about when to use a hyphen with prefixes like ‘pre-‘?
In English, many words with prefixes like ‘pre-‘ don’t require a hyphen. However, there are exceptions, especially when the prefix is followed by a capitalized word or a number.
