Weston-Preschools (Miami, Davie, Parkland: HOA fees, daycare, home)

[newmommy7890]

Hi Again Everyone!

It looks like we're back to considering Weston as a place to live. After all the feedback from everyone it appears that the drive from Parkland to Medley might be too far to commute everyday. My husband would like to be home at a reasonable time in the evening so maybe living closer, like Weston, is best. Anyway....

Here are a few more questions:

Preschools in Weston--need some recommendations on preschools (we do not want a 'daycare' please). My daughter is 3 yos and I'm looking for a school environment as opposed to a 'daycare'. Something she can attend maybe 2-3 times a week from 9-12.

Elementary schools-- Is there one specific elementary school that we MUST be zoned for?

Private schools--Comparing AH and Sagemont it seems Sagemont is less expensive. Is there a reason for that? Do each provide bus service for kindergarten. Is one better than the other? Are they commutable from Weston?Any catholic schools to look at?

Churches: Are there any church goers on? Looking for a nice catholic or presbyterian church. Also, where we currently live there are a few churches that do a "Morning Out for Mothers" program. Does anyone know of such a program?

Housing Developments-- Are there housing developments in Weston that have a reasonable HOA fee? We don't need a golf course (which ups the HOA). Any nice, upscale developments? We have a budget of $500K for a house. Looking for 4-5 bedroom/pool home.

TIA!

[acegolfer]

1. Preschool - Here are some choices:

Cambridge
Montessori
St. Paul
Parkway Christian (in Davie) - This is where my 3-yr old goes. We like this place because of 12:2 student:teacher ratio.

2. Elementary Schools

There are 5-6 elementary schools in Weston. They are all similar in quality. So boundary is no issue for me.
There are 2 high schools that Weston kids go to. Cypress Bay and Western (in Davie). Generally, ppl prefer Cypress Bay. If so are you, then avoid Bonaventure.
There are 2 middle schools: Tequesta Trace and Falcon Cove. 50% of TT and 90% of FC feed to Cypress Bay.

3. Private Schools - no idea

4. Church - There's one catholic church in Weston: St. Katherine Drexel. The are raising money for a new building in a new location. Many ppl also go to St. Bonaventure in Davie

5. Development - HOA fees will be around $120/month in your price range. These communities are Meadows, Savanna, Falls, North Lakes, Lakes, Islands, Springs, Ridges (from northwest to southeast). Living in Ridges vs. Meadows will save 10 minute commute each way to Miami. Emerald Estates is closer but it has very high HOA fee that includes many other services such as landscaping/mowing.

The only community in your range with a golf course is Weston Hills. I don't know what their HOA fee is. It was above my budget but could be within your range with a little stretch.

[newmommy7890]

Originally Posted by acegolfer

1. Preschool - Here are some choices:

Cambridge
Montessori
St. Paul
Parkway Christian (in Davie) - This is where my 3-yr old goes. We like this place because of 12:2 student:teacher ratio.

2. Elementary Schools

There are 5-6 elementary schools in Weston. They are all similar in quality. So boundary is no issue for me.
There are 2 high schools that Weston kids go to. Cypress Bay and Western (in Davie). Generally, ppl prefer Cypress Bay. If so are you, then avoid Bonaventure.
There are 2 middle schools: Tequesta Trace and Falcon Cove. 50% of TT and 90% of FC feed to Cypress Bay.

3. Private Schools - no idea

4. Church - There's one catholic church in Weston: St. Katherine Drexel. The are raising money for a new building in a new location. Many ppl also go to St. Bonaventure in Davie

5. Development - HOA fees will be around $120/month in your price range. These communities are Meadows, Savanna, Falls, North Lakes, Lakes, Islands, Springs, Ridges (from northwest to southeast). Living in Ridges vs. Meadows will save 10 minute commute each way to Miami. Emerald Estates is closer but it has very high HOA fee that includes many other services such as landscaping/mowing.

The only community in your range with a golf course is Weston Hills. I don't know what their HOA fee is. It was above my budget but could be within your range with a little stretch.

Thanks for the info. I saw this after I sent you a DM.

Questions:

Your list included:
-Cambridge
-Montessori
-St. Paul
-Parkway Christian (in Davie)

Is 'Montessori' the name of the preschool or are you saying that Cambridge is a montessori school? I looked at the Cambridge website and WOW...that's expensive. Does that go from PreK to HS?

Also, is St. Paul another preschool and seprate from Parkway Christian?

Have you been pleased with the school your daughter goes to?

Do most children in Weston go to preschool in Davie? Is it a far drive from Weston?

I heard Cypress Bay is overcrowded....would you agree with this statement?

Any idea what the HOA fee is for Emerald Estates?

Thanks again for all the info!!

[westondailyphoto]

Cambridge is expensive but it's the best in town.

Do most children in Weston go to preschool in Davie? Is it a far drive from Weston?

no, they all go here in Weston, there are plenty of preschools here.

I heard Cypress Bay is overcrowded....would you agree with this statement?

was, not anymore after the rezoning this year

Any idea what the HOA fee is for Emerald Estates?

around $350 per 1/4

[newmommy7890]

Originally Posted by westondailyphoto

Cambridge is expensive but it's the best in town.

no, they all go here in Weston, there are plenty of preschools here.


was, not anymore after the rezoning this year


around $350 per 1/4

I just e-mailed the people at Cambridge but was wondering if you had any idea the cost? (ballpark?) There is no tuition information on their website . I think I might have been looking at another Cambridge school which I saw was expensive.

[acegolfer]

We are very happy with Parkway Christian even though it's 15 min drive from home. I just drop my kid on my way to work. The tuition is $480/m, which is the lowest of the 4.

They are 4 different schools. The tuition for Cambridge was about $700/m, IIRC.

No. most kids go to preschools in Weston. We are in the minority. But half of my kids friends in Parkway live in Weston. It's about 10-15 min drive.

The HOA fee at Emerald Estates was $350 per MONTH last year. Photo, have they changed it this year? They charge higher fee because it covers landscaping, mowing, gym and cable TV. I don't understand the TV part because aren't all Westonians pay TV through water bill?

[newmommy7890]

Originally Posted by acegolfer

We are very happy with Parkway Christian even though it's 15 min drive from home. I just drop my kid on my way to work. The tuition is $480/m, which is the lowest of the 4.

They are 4 different schools. The tuition for Cambridge was about $700/m, IIRC.

No. most kids go to preschools in Weston. We are in the minority. But half of my kids friends in Parkway live in Weston. It's about 10-15 min drive.

The HOA fee at Emerald Estates was $350 per MONTH last year. Photo, have they changed it this year? They charge higher fee because it covers landscaping, mowing, gym and cable TV. I don't understand the TV part because aren't all Westonians pay TV through water bill?

The $480 a month for Parkway---is that a 9-12 program 2-3X a week or full day every day?

Thanks!!

[acegolfer]

Originally Posted by newmommy7890

The $480 a month for Parkway---is that a 9-12 program 2-3X a week or full day every day?

Thanks!!

That's 8:45 to 12:45 pm 5 days a week.

[acegolfer]

I stand corrected. The HOA fee at Emerald Estates is $250 per month. FYI, the listings at ziprealty.com shows the HOA fees/frequency.

[acegolfer]

Here are approx. HOA fees per month for Weston communities.

Emerald Estates: 250
Landings, Weston Hills, Palm Islands: 150
Savanna, Meadows, Falls, Lakes, Springs, Ridges: 110-130
N. Lakes: 80

Source: selected MLS listings from ziprealty