It's not a secret that early education is an valuable part of placing children on the path to eventual success and happiness. According to a study by The Perry Preschool Project, preschool graduates are less likely to commit crimes, are more likely to graduate high school, and hold higher-paying jobs as adults. There are many advantages to preschools, including critical knowledge and social interaction. For parents, the question isn't if they should enroll their child in a pre-K program. It's which is the right preschool for them?

Families that live in large cities have a lot of preschool choices. Some new on the scene, while others have been around for decades. Choosing the right pre-K school can be a daunting decision for any parent. To help out, here are three effective tips for finding the top-rated preschool for your student:

Ask Family & Friends

Talking to friends and family who have been through this process before is one of the best choices that you can make. These people will have valuable insight into the program that they used (and maybe those that they didn't. This is the perfect starting point for limiting your search to a few choices.

Ranking Websites

Many websites exist that review local preschools and other schools. Reading these sites can give you an indication of your available choices. This doesn't mean you need to immediately select the top-rated pre-K school. But it will help you get closer to the right choice.

Tours

Before you finalize your choice, visiting a few of your favorite preschools is a must. This will give you the chance to meet teachers and find out if it fits your criteria. Call in advance and find out when these preschools welcome visitors.

If you follow all three of these steps, it will be much easier to pinpoint the best early education option for your future student.