Inner loop/Bellaire/Galleria area pre-school/daycare (Post, Tool: credit, purchase)

[travelguy_73]

We are working to be adoptive parents (0-6 years old), and as part of the process, we need to be ready with school or pre-school, depending on the age of the child. We know what HISD elementary school we are zoned to (not thrilled about it, but at least we know where it is!), but we really don't know much about pre-school.

My coworkers all send their kids to montessori preschools (Post Oak and Country Day School), but I'm looking for non-montessori options in case that style of teaching isn't appropriate for an adoptive child (given their backgrounds, they don't all thrive in that environment).

While cost is always a factor, I figure $1k a month is probably a good budget to stick to. I have no idea how to go about researching the best pre-schools, nor how many have waiting lists (tough when you could get a call and have a foster child within weeks). Inner Loop/Bellaire/Galleria area is a must. I don't want to force them to sit in a car any longer than necessary.

Any assistance is appreciated.

[houston-nomad]

How great that you are taking in a foster child. Here is how you find out your zoned schools:
School Zone Search Tool

As for daycare, I would try to compile a list of several, since it can be quite tough to get a spot. Our kids went to First Christian School for several years, on Sunset across from Rice University. They seemed to have spots open pretty often. It's a nice school. Probably not the best curriculum, and none of the bells and whistles like healthy organic snacks, like you might get at a pricier Montessori school, but we were happy with the teachers and the curriculum.

[karuna95]

Look up schools at are NAEYC accredited. We loved St. Andrew's Presbyterian (Buffalo Spdwy at Bissonnet). My friend's children attended First Christian (Sunset) and she and they loved it.

[brownybaby]

First off, Congratulations!!!

The Fay School is very nice, and non "denomintional"

The preschool my daughter goes to is undergoing a huge expansion and I am quite impressed. ( name os school is Esperanza Outdoor School).

They are located at Washington and Durham area though, that might be too far. But what they did was purchase an old elementary school and turn it into a wonderful place for kids. It is really worth checking out. Their website is pretty dated, but here it is. Esperanza School - Welcome!

Ask to see the new school if you do go.

[travelguy_73]

Originally Posted by brownybaby

First off, Congratulations!!!

The Fay School is very nice, and non "denomintional"

The preschool my daughter goes to is undergoing a huge expansion and I am quite impressed. ( name os school is Esperanza Outdoor School).

They are located at Washington and Durham area though, that might be too far. But what they did was purchase an old elementary school and turn it into a wonderful place for kids. It is really worth checking out. Their website is pretty dated, but here it is. Esperanza School - Welcome!

Ask to see the new school if you do go.

I have heard good things about Esperanza (the only other pre-school I know about). I will definitely call each of the schools mentioned.

We are a non-traditional family in every sense, and so are interested in pre-schools that embrace diversity. I don't think this necessarily rules out many of the church-based schools, but probably does limit the pool.

Thanks again!

[brownybaby]

Originally Posted by travelguy_73

I have heard good things about Esperanza (the only other pre-school I know about). I will definitely call each of the schools mentioned.

We are a non-traditional family in every sense, and so are interested in pre-schools that embrace diversity. I don't think this necessarily rules out many of the church-based schools, but probably does limit the pool.

Thanks again!

It is fabulous. My daughter has been there since she was 3 motnhs. ( 5 now) - There is a nice sense of community there, and most of the parents are very nice and down to earth!

[pach84]

Originally Posted by travelguy_73

We are working to be adoptive parents (0-6 years old), and as part of the process, we need to be ready with school or pre-school, depending on the age of the child. We know what HISD elementary school we are zoned to (not thrilled about it, but at least we know where it is!), but we really don't know much about pre-school.

My coworkers all send their kids to montessori preschools (Post Oak and Country Day School), but I'm looking for non-montessori options in case that style of teaching isn't appropriate for an adoptive child (given their backgrounds, they don't all thrive in that environment).

While cost is always a factor, I figure $1k a month is probably a good budget to stick to. I have no idea how to go about researching the best pre-schools, nor how many have waiting lists (tough when you could get a call and have a foster child within weeks). Inner Loop/Bellaire/Galleria area is a must. I don't want to force them to sit in a car any longer than necessary.

Any assistance is appreciated.

MCDS had many adopted kids a few years back. Professional parents that were older and a couple of same sex couples. Everyone looked out for each other and it was a safe environment. The teachers were wonderful at that location.