Why should you choose a kindergarten near your home?

When Distance Becomes an Educational Factor

Preschool age marks a crucial stage for forming early life habits, social, and emotional skills. Among countless factors to consider when choosing a school – from teaching methods, facilities, to teacher qualifications – there’s one element that often seems “minor” but greatly impacts a child’s development journey: the distance between school and home.

In crowded cities like Ho Chi Minh City, choosing a preschool close to home not only makes pick-up and drop-off easier but also brings real benefits to children’s physical health, emotional well-being, and family–school connection. In this article, Wisdomland explores 5 key reasons why a nearby school is a smart choice for every parent of preschoolers.

1. Save time – reduce stress for the whole family

Rushing mornings, heavy traffic, sleepy children on motorbikes, and anxious parents watching the clock – a common scenario for families commuting long distances to school.

Choosing a nearby school helps:

• Reduce travel time to just 5–15 minutes
• Parents are less likely to be late for work and feel more relaxed
• Children can eat breakfast on time without hurry
• Lower traffic risks (jams, rain, etc.)

Time is precious – and during your child’s early years, every minute spent together in the morning is part of loving education.

2. Healthier children thanks to less travel fatigue

Children under 6 have weaker immunity and stamina. Long daily commutes can make them:

• Sleep-deprived and tired before class
• Lose appetite and absorb nutrients poorly
• Grumpy and disengaged in morning activities

According to Dr. Nguyễn Trí Dũng (HCMC Nutrition Institute), “preschoolers who skip proper breakfast and sleep due to morning rushes are at higher risk of weak immunity and poor concentration in class.”

A nearby school helps children:

• Rest longer and better
• Be alert and happy when arriving at school
• Have time for personal hygiene, dressing, and relaxed meals

3. Parents can respond quickly to emergencies

Preschoolers often need sudden parental support:

• Mild fever – needs to be picked up early
• Forgot spare clothes – needs a change
• Left water bottle or sandals at home

A nearby school allows parents to:

• Arrive quickly when something happens
  Handle issues without disrupting work
• Feel reassured knowing their child is close by

This is especially helpful for families with grandparents assisting in childcare – a short distance makes it safer and more convenient for them, especially in bad weather.

4. Stronger connection between children, friends, and the local community

When your child attends a nearby school, chances are:

• Classmates are also neighbors
• They meet friends at parks or playgrounds after school
• Parents can easily connect and support one another

This connection helps children develop communication and social relationships, while helping parents feel part of a supportive local community.

At Wisdomland campuses, we’ve seen many shy newcomers quickly open up once they discovered “friends from the same neighborhood.”

5. Encourage long-term attachment and consistent learning habits

Staying with the same school long-term supports stable development.

When a school is too far away, families often grow tired of the commute and may decide to:

• Transfer to a closer school
• Take a temporary break
• Rely on grandparents for daily pick-up/drop-off

Frequent school changes disrupt a child’s sense of belonging, affect friendships, and impact learning outcomes.

A nearby, convenient, and suitable school helps families maintain steady attendance – building a solid foundation for future education.

Wisdomland – Your neighborhood international-standard preschool, with 5 campuses across Ho Chi Minh City: