how did you choose your child's school?

for those that are putting their child in nursery or Pre-K, how did you pick the school? Close to home, work, family, etc or any other reason? Just curious on why you decided that school.

I feel like there are so many options available!

Message edited 8/20/2013 1:54:30 PM.

Re: how did you choose your child's school?

DS is almost 3, and will start nursery school in a couple weeks. Its just 2 mornings a week, for like 2.5 hours each day. (im a SAHM)
Its at a church, but not "religious" per say.
It was the first and only one I looked at, and went with it for a few reasons. The first thing really was just the "feeling" I got when I stopped by there. Sounds SO silly, but its true! It just felt warm and welcoming and comfortable. The director was really sweet to talk to.
I also liked the program. its a cooperative program, so the parents are involved in the school. the parents rotate being the teacher's assistant- so about once a month or so, i'll be in the room with him and get to see how he does. They also do field trips, have gym time once a week, etc.
overall, it was close to my house and just fit with what I was looking for for him. and like I said- so crazy, but it really was just the feeling I got that it was the school I should send him to.

Re: how did you choose your child's school?

Re: how did you choose your child's school?

We ended up choosing a place close to home. Close to work was never an option since I work in Manhattan and most of the schools near my job are a FORTUNE or have waiting lists. My ILs live near us/the school so I have comfort in the fact that if she gets sick or anything happens they can get to her in minutes if necessary. And of course after touring the school we really liked the feel of it and of course the teachers.

Re: how did you choose your child's school?

I called about 4 or 5 schools and got pricing for all. Some were ridiculously priced. The one I chose is in a Catholic academy where DS will probably go to K-8 (unless we move). It was middle of the road as far as pricing. It's within walking distance in case for some reason he cannot be driven (that was pretty much the deciding factor). But the program though only 2 days a week is pretty impressive. He's so excited to be starting school!

Re: how did you choose your child's school?

I looked at a few schools that were local. I knew I wasn't going to pack up my 2 year and drive 30 minutes to school so location was number one. We also had a budget, so that was a concern, but all the schools we looked at fit into our budget so it wasn't a deciding factor.
I knew I wanted an academic school. I was looking for more just structure and the basics. I know DD needs to be challenged to pay attention. She loves to learn and knows a lot already and I know boredom=trouble for her. But I still wanted a very loving, nurturing environment, and a good amount of unstructured socialization and playtime. I was lucky enough to find all that very close by!

Really you just need to decided what kind of school you want, and where you are willing to travel and narrow it down from there. I actually felt comfortable with several schools, and felt like I couldnt really go wrong.

Re: how did you choose your child's school?

We were moving from out of state and were looking for preschools and a home at the same time. We started looking around March for an August move.

We put our name on wait lists on the schools we liked most before we even had a home. We visited about 10 schools and added our name to about 5 school wait lists. The school our boys attend now was actually #3 on our original list. We got off the wait list before we got off the 2 other schools we originally liked better. Our first choice was a school that was walking distance from our home and the other was one of those more prestigious preschools.

For us, we wanted a bright fun environment with structure. Montessori schools are all the rage down here but DH and I did not like that style. Our kids' preschool mixes academics with a lot of fun play. They have lots of outside entertainment come for shows (mad science, magicians, clowns, musicians, etc). Our school also had the nicest facilities in terms of the best outdoor play area and lots of light, clean classrooms stocked with very clean well organized toys, puzzles and crafts.

We ultimately got off the wait lists for the 2 schools we originally liked better but decided to stay with our 3rd choice. I truly couldn't be happier with the school. We originally rented a home and ended up buying a house closer to the preschool. It is about a mile from our new house.

Message edited 8/20/2013 3:05:59 PM.

Re: how did you choose your child's school?

2 questions that i recommend asking:

is it a co-op? if is then what exactly does it require from the parents throughout the year.

do they focus on socialization or education? There is actually a HUGE difference, which i didnt think there would be.

we learned the hard way with my DD and switched schools for my DS.

good luck!

Re: how did you choose your child's school?

I was going to send them to the catholic school blocks from my house but it is only 2 1/2 days q week and the cost plus child are the other days would have been too much so they are going to another catholic school a little further away but it is full time and the 3 and 4 year olds are together and it is do e Montessori style which I liked.
So I guess the scheduling was the most important factor

Re: how did you choose your child's school?

I asked around my neighborhood.

I ended up picking a Montessori that is one town over. We have a bus that will pick up and drop off DS.

Everyone who sent their kid there for preschool and Pre k said that their kid didn't learn much more in k when they started.

When I visited, the place was truly impressive. Kids were playing quietly, making model airplanes, walking in lines, etc. They learn with real objects and there is a nice mix of kids.

I'm excited for my DS.

Re: how did you choose your child's school?

Re: how did you choose your child's school?

Re: how did you choose your child's school?

Re: how did you choose your child's school?

Re: how did you choose your child's school?

Re: how did you choose your child's school?

HAHA! I wish I had a choice! In our area preschools are insanely hard to get in to bc there are so many kids. DD was wait listed on FIVE and did not get into any. Thankfully a school (not our first choice) just opened up a second class for the mornings and had a spot for her. The teachers are really sweet, the space is ok and it's close to our apartment.

If we had a choice, I'd base it on the time (I only want 3 mornings a week) and the "feel" I got from visiting the space and meeting the teachers. We're used to walking a lot so proximity to our home was not first priority. Oh and cost. She did get into another one but it was $13k for 3 full days a week. Seemed a BIT steep for me. lol.

Message edited 8/21/2013 10:22:14 AM.

Re: how did you choose your child's school?

Close to home
Great homey feeling when I walked in
It's Montessori and Luz Y Sal(language school-they have a Spanish, Portugese and French teacher)
Lots of space
Montessori toys(real wood-no plastic)
Impressed by Director-20 years of experience

Re: how did you choose your child's school?

I wanted a place that was close to home and where there would be a greater likelihood of the kids going on to kindergarten and beyond with her--that's what I had growing up.

I liked the vibe at the place we chose. It seemed very family oriented and I liked that the director knew all the kids by name in all the different classes we walked through. It also has a good rep with other parents in my neighborhood.