Birmingham Private Preschools/Elementary Schools (Auburn, Mountain Brook: house, school district, college)

[Aurora11]

I need some advice/feedback on private elementaries and preschools. We have a one year old, but are in the process of selling our house so are trying to consider where we want to move (i.e. whether we will stay in a great public school district, or try private). Regardless, he is in MDO right now at a church near where we live, but in the next couple of years we want to move him to a preschool. What do you consider to be the best private preschool/elementary school in the Birmingham area? Any experiences with Creative Montessori, Redmont, Early Arts, Advent or Briarwood? Would LOVE to hear feedback. Thanks SO much.

[cpg35223]

Well, I know well-meaning, pious people who stuck their kids in Redmont and regretted it. As in, their children not being able to read by the third grade.

[pennquaker09]

Originally Posted by cpg35223

Well, I know well-meaning, pious people who stuck their kids in Redmont and regretted it. As in, their children not being able to read by the third grade.

That's very true . . .

[Aurora11]

That's good to know--thanks! I actually have a friend that teaches who had a similar experience with a second grader unable to read at even an entering kindergardener's level. I was curious as to whether this was just an individual child's issue or accross the board. Has anyone attended any Birmingham Montessori schools? Or Advent or Briarwood?

[jakabedy]

I had a former coworker who had his girls in Advent and he was very pleased with it. They then went into Mt. Brook schools and did well. This was back in 1995-2000, though, so you may want to get a more recent reference.

[cpg35223]

Originally Posted by jakabedy

I had a former coworker who had his girls in Advent and he was very pleased with it. They then went into Mt. Brook schools and did well. This was back in 1995-2000, though, so you may want to get a more recent reference.

That's still pretty common. Advent is about as rigorous as you get in K-8. Then either Mountain Brook, Indian Springs, or Altamont.

[1984vt]

My children attend Briarwood. They started in the MDO program there and I fell in love with the school. It is evident that they take the time and are willing to pay the money for teachers that are passionate about children and teaching them. They have the knack of making your child feel special even though they may be in a class of 20. Communication is great and you have lots of opportunity to get involved in the school through many volunteer programs. It is completely voluntary though so, you won't feel pressured if you aren't able to contribute time.

Briarwood uses the "Saxon" systems. My son is in first grade and reads. My daughter is in the K4 program and is learning phonics and basic math. I am not familiar with highschool although most of the parents I spoke with say it is like college and makes a great college prep school. My neighbors children attend and the oldest is a Briarwood graduate at Auburn via scholarship.

The Kindergarten program at Briarwood lets out at 11:45 and yet they have Afterschool care if needed. 1st through 2nd lets out at 2:20. Because they have shuttles running between the two campuses (highschool in hoover, grammar in Vestavia) you can choose a variety of areas in which to live.

They do not have uniforms and yet around first grade begin easing the children into a very strict dress code.

They also have a great transitional kindergarten progarm if needed.

One thing, you should go ahead and get your child on the entry list NOW. You may find there is not a spot available if you wait too long.

I do not have any public school experience to compare it too other than my own childhood and that was so long ago that I am sure things have changed.

If you have specific questions, you may DM me if you wish. Good Luck!