National corporations offering fast-track academic preschool for children as young as 6 weeks.
Experts debate the merits of a structured academic program for tiny tots.
They use similar early childhood curricula and emphasize structured learning. Extras such as Spanish and computers are part of both programs. And both are for-profit companies aiming their marketing at academically ambitious families. Beth Cranor, district principal for all Chesterbrook schools in North Carolina, says the philosophy is to keep children working a year ahead. In the Charlotte school, the accelerated curriculum doesn't start until age 2, and teachers are mindful of each child's developmental level, says director Joan Nicholson.