Choosing a Preschool or Nursery in Lebanon: What to Ask
Choosing a nursery is one of the most stressful early-parenthood decisions in Lebanon — partly because options span an enormous range in quality and price, and partly because little oversight exists between glossy marketing and actual day-to-day care.
Visit unannounced if you can
A scheduled tour shows you the polished version. If the school allows drop-in visits, take advantage. Watch how staff interact with children when they don't know they're being assessed. Look at the playground equipment, the classroom corners, the bathroom hygiene.
Key questions to ask
- What is the child-to-staff ratio in each age group? For 1–2 year-olds, aim for 1:5 or better.
- What are the staff qualifications and turnover rate?
- What is the language plan? Many Lebanese nurseries mix Arabic, French, and English; clarity matters.
- What's the daily structure — outdoor time, free play, structured activities, meals, nap?
- How are emergencies handled? Fire drills, first aid certifications, evacuation plan?
- What's the sick-child policy? Fever, lice, hand-foot-mouth.
Pricing and contracts
Nursery tuition in Beirut and Mount Lebanon now ranges from roughly USD 200–250 per month at the budget end to USD 800–1,500+ at premium institutions. Read the contract carefully — many require registration fees, books fees, uniform fees, and have rigid refund policies. Confirm whether the price is per academic year or per month, and what's included (meals, snacks, transport).