Pre-K in Morningside question (Atlanta: renting, daycare, house)

[Bbdd205]

So it looks like we will be moving to the Morningside neighborhood of Atlanta. My oldest will stay home with me for awhile longer and than we would like to start a pre-k program. Our realtor recommended Paideia and to apply during Fall 2017 for August 2018 admission when he is almost 4. We would be applying to the 5 days a week 1/2 day program. It looks like our home is zoned for Morningside Elementary. Would it be wise to do pre-k at Paideia and than send him to Morningside Elemantary and than back to Paideia after (unless he's really happy at Paideia and than I'd guess we would keep him there)? Are there other Pre-K programs that you guys recommend in or very close to Morningside? We specifically don't want a church program or anything too academic since our oldest will still be really young. TIA!

[AnsleyPark]

Check out the pre-K programs at the local churches. First Presbyterian at 16th and Peachtree has a wonderful program, and, I understand that Haygood Methodist on East Rock Springs has a fine program. My three girls all went to pre-K at First Presbyterian and we were very happy with the program.

[Bbdd205]

Originally Posted by AnsleyPark

Check out the pre-K programs at the local churches. First Presbyterian at 16th and Peachtree has a wonderful program, and, I understand that Haygood Methodist on East Rock Springs has a fine program. My three girls all went to pre-K at First Presbyterian and we were very happy with the program.

Thanks for your response, unfortunately we don't feel comfortable attending a church program.

[red92s]

Originally Posted by Bbdd205

Thanks for your response, unfortunately we don't feel comfortable attending a church program.

There are often pre-K and/or daycare programs that are housed in Church facilities, but are entirely nonreligious. I wouldn't automatically disqualify programs because they are physically located on church property, but I've got no idea if that applies to the ones mentioned above.

Have you looked into Morningside Day Out? It's a half-day program nearby. It's located in a church, but I think it's one of those cases where it's not religiously affiliated.
https://www.morningsidedayout.com/

[Bbdd205]

Originally Posted by red92s

There are often pre-K and/or daycare programs that are housed in Church facilities, but are entirely nonreligious. I wouldn't automatically disqualify programs because they are physically located on church property, but I've got no idea if that applies to the ones mentioned above.

Have you looked into Morningside Day Out? It's a half-day program nearby. It's located in a church, but I think it's one of those cases where it's not religiously affiliated.
https://www.morningsidedayout.com/

Thanks, haven't looked at Morningside Day Out, we just put in an offer on a house after visiting so I'm not familiar with much in the area, aside from what we were able to explore in the few days of our visit. I will check it out. We are coming from the west coast and don't really have private pre-k programs in church buildings in our area so I didn't realize that they could just be renting space.

[TripTychTwo]

Congratulations on the move. Where'd you end up offering? Edmund Park? E Rock Springs?

Our little one is in Haygood, and has very little (if any) church influence and we have been really happy with the school, especially given we can walk there on nice mornings.

But for zero church influence I would look into the following. We have friends at each one of the below and can recommend through their referrals

The Goddard School
Primrose
Suzuki School - Ponce City Market

[AtlJan]

Cliff Valley School on Clairmont Rd. --15mins from Morningside via LaVista Rd.

[Bbdd205]

Originally Posted by TripTychTwo

Congratulations on the move. Where'd you end up offering? Edmund Park? E Rock Springs?

Our little one is in Haygood, and has very little (if any) church influence and we have been really happy with the school, especially given we can walk there on nice mornings.

But for zero church influence I would look into the following. We have friends at each one of the below and can recommend through their referrals

The Goddard School
Primrose
Suzuki School - Ponce City Market

Thanks! We went with East Rock Springs. The home in Edmund Park was really nice as well but the layout of the one on East Rock Springs was just better suited for us. Hopefully it all works out! Is Haygood also just renting a space in the church? We saw it was right next to the elementary school, I assume it feeds right into it? do you recommend those schools over Paideia? We popped into the Ponce City Market and it was awesome, loved all the little restaurant stalls but I can't imagine a school there! Where do the kids go out to play?

[Bbdd205]

Originally Posted by AtlJan

Cliff Valley School on Clyairmont Rd. --15mins from Morningside via LaVista Rd.

Thank you, I will check it out. What makes you like it better than Paideia?

[Bbdd205]

Also, wanted to ask, how competitive is admission for these schools for a child that will be almost 4?