Preschool commute question

What’s your travel limit and preferred commute options for a preschooler?

We have an 18-month-old who will be starting preschool next year. We live in the UES and are exploring school options. There are several great preschools within a 5-30 block radius of our home.

We don’t have a nanny but have the flexibility to handle pick-up and drop-off ourselves. We’re trying to figure out if it’s worth commuting to a “better” school that’s farther away versus choosing one within walking distance. Here’s where we’re struggling with the options: - Driving: This seems like the easiest option logistically, but we’re concerned about the time it might take to deal with parking, pick-up, and drop-off. - Bus: It’s more stroller-friendly, but the schedules are unpredictable. A 20-minute ride could easily turn into 40-60 minutes. - Subway: reliable schedule but not the most stroller-friendly option, and navigating stairs daily might be too much of a hassle.

We’d love to hear from other parents: How far are you willing to commute for preschool? Which transportation option has worked best for you? What’s the expectation for a young toddler to walk to school/subway/bus stations? Any insights would be greatly appreciated!