Kindergarden Schools in Holland, MI (Zeeland, Vanderbilt: elementary schools, living in, budget)

[anita_80]

Hello,

We are prety new to Holland and looking for a good Kindergarden for our 4.5 yr old. Can anyone shed some light on the quality of the elementary schools in Holland, which ones to consider and which ones to avoid? I wonder when the schools start giving out application forms.

Experienced parents pls help.

Appreciate your reply very much.

Thanks Much
Anita

[allbusiness]

Sorry no one has answered. You would think the public schools -- being in the state they are in right now due to the economy -- would have someone monitoring this site and answering questions.

Will you be living inthe city? On the north side? Out in the suburbs or in the country? With school choice you can enroll almost anywhere, but convenience is important too. Then some of us might be able to help.

[anita_80]

I live near Riley-120 inersection (not sure if its north or south).
Some schools here have thee lottery system which I wasnt aware of till the time it ended. Now my daughter is in the waiting list.
Would reaally appreciate if someone can suggest some good public schools.

Also does anyone have put their kids in Vanderbilt charter academy school? If so, pls share your experience.

Much thanks.

[suydam]

Originally Posted by allbusiness

You would think the public schools -- being in the state they are in right now due to the economy -- would have someone monitoring this site and answering questions.

That person has been laid off due to budget cuts.

[tedweiser]

My nephew attended Vanderbilt and had excellent experiences there. He is a very bright boy who is easily distracted and they handled him very well.

Our DD is still a few years from school, but Vanderbilt will be our backup plan if we cannot get her into Black River. I would certainly feel comfortable sending my daughter to Vanderbilt.

HTH!

Originally Posted by anita_80

I live near Riley-120 inersection (not sure if its north or south).
Some schools here have thee lottery system which I wasnt aware of till the time it ended. Now my daughter is in the waiting list.
Would reaally appreciate if someone can suggest some good public schools.

Also does anyone have put their kids in Vanderbilt charter academy school? If so, pls share your experience.

Much thanks.

[16 Years W Mich]

My kids go to Holland Public Schools and have gotten a great education there. There have been a lot of changes and that is kinda rough on us parents, but my kids are fine with it. For us, each change has been an improvement. Most of the schools in the Holland Zeeland area are pretty good. WE like the not too big not too small feel in Holland, diversity, and the great education they are getting. Holland High School was just named one of the top 200 high schools in the country by some national magazine ( I can't remember it right the name of the Magizine right now). I wish the district would do more to point things like this out. They do a great job in the classroom, not so great marketing themselves.

[mowgie]

I think Riley/120th is North Holland (we are new to the area, too). This past year our daughter went to K at Black River Public School, I think it was excellent. I think they do have the lottery/waiting list method, but worthwhile to get on if you think you'd be interested. They are located in Holland near 20th Street and Columbia Ave.

Also, you can check out some of the schools' ratings on GreatSchools - Public and Private School Ratings, Reviews and Parent Community and then search in Holland, MI.

[tromba61]

Lakeside Montessori is great. Also, the charter school, Black River, is top knotch.