Bown Crossing area- preschools, stay-at-home moms, riverside JFK (Boise: purchasing, preschool)

[Shp16]

I posted on here a few weeks ago. My family is moving to Boise from Portland Aug 24 for my husbands new job. We are purchasing a home in the Spring Meadows subdivision near Bown Crossing.

We have enrolled our son in Kindergarten at Riverside Elementary school. I'd love to hear anything anyone has to say about the school and morning vs afternoon kindergarten. I'm considering enrolling my son in the JFK program there to give him a full-day school experience. He will turn six shortly after the start of school. I'm a stay-at-home mom and don't need the child care, but feel my son is ready for more. Is this an educational program or babysitting? Do many families participate?

I also have a three year old daughter and will be looking for a part-time preschool two to three days a week near our home for her. I'd love to hear some recommendations. I'd prefer a non-religious preschool.
I am also wondering if there are many stay-at-home moms in the area (se boise/bown crossing). My initial impression is that most families seem to be dual income.

[mvincelli]

Welcome to Boise!

I live in near you, and have 3 little ones, the oldest will be in 1st grade at Riverside this year. Kinder was great but I can't tell you much about JFK- sorry! There is a new preschool though called Cozy Cottage Learning Center and it is great, my sons are going there and I'm very pleased! Good Luck, see you around!

[benchfan]

JFK is definitely babysitting. They do a good job, but it isn't exactly like extending the school day. I think am vs pm depends on your kiddo. If he is up bright and early and ready to go, then morning Kindergarten is probably a good fit. If he likes to sleep in and play in the mornings, then maybe afternoon would be best. I knew families who liked both. I remember my girls at that age and how a half day of kindergarten five days a week was a lot. They went back to afternoon naps because they got worn out from the busy morning. You might find that the half day downtime will give you time for fun enrichment like library trips, walking on the greenbelt, going to the zoo or Discovery Center or any number of activities in the area plus playdates and just plain downtime. There will be lots of stay at home moms to meet at Riverside.

As for pre-school, I have heard good things about Parkcenter Montessori which is in your area.

[zoso1979]

Several years ago my sons attended JFK at Trail Wind Elementary. We needed an afterschool and summer program as we both worked and JFK was ideal. In our experience it was more than babysitting, but certainly not school either. The staff was very engaged with the kids and did a lot projects and physical exercise activities with them. The boys loved it. Several years later they were exited to learn that their drivers ed driving teacher was one of the staff they particularly liked at JFK. Our experience with the program was very good.