What Preschool Fees Include in South Africa

One of the biggest frustrations parents face when choosing a preschool is the lack of clarity around what that cost actually includes. You might see a monthly fee and think you understand it, only to later discover extra charges for meals, registration, or activities. Understanding preschool fees properly is essential before enrolling your child.

Unlike many other services, preschools do not all follow the same pricing structure. Two schools can charge completely different fees based on location, staff structure, and operating costs. For context on overall pricing ranges, see our South African preschool fee guide.

The Basic Monthly Fee

In most South African preschools, the monthly fee is the primary cost and typically covers the core day-to-day care. This generally includes:

• Supervision: Constant care and guidance by trained staff throughout the day.
• Basic Education: Daily age-appropriate learning activities and play-based curriculum.
• Facilities: Access to the school grounds, playgrounds, and security infrastructure.

What is Usually Included?

Routine is a massive part of early development. If you want to see how this impacts your child, read how daily routines improve toddler behaviour.

What Is NOT Always Included

This is where parents are often caught off guard. Always confirm if these are "hidden" or additional costs:

• Registration Fees: A once-off fee ranging from R500 to R1,000+ per child.
• Annual Levies: Extra charges for maintenance, toilet paper, or stationery.
• Meals and Snacks: Some include food, while others require a packed lunch or an extra meal fee.
• Extra-Murals: Educational programmes or sports classes are almost always charged separately.

Questions Every Parent Should Ask

Before signing a contract, ask for a full written breakdown of costs. Use our 5-step action plan to guide your visit and ask the right questions about meal inclusions and late collection penalties.

Understanding Value vs. Cost

It is easy to focus only on the monthly number. However, a slightly higher fee may actually be better value if it includes meals and learning materials, whereas a lower fee might require you to provide these separately. Neither is wrong; it simply depends on what works best for your family’s budget.