Grace Montessori... (Allentown, Bethlehem, Emmaus: school districts, live in, price)

[2kidsimdone]

Does anyone send their kid to Grace Montessori? How is the location of the school? I heard it was in Allentown, but I don't know too much about where within the town it is.

Any feedback would be great!

[PA.Dutchman]

http://www.lehighchristianacademy.org/

[toobusytoday]

2kids,
My suggestion is to ask your new neighbors where they send their kids so that you will have a carpool and instant friends. I know there is a lot of agonizing about the best fit, but in hindsight pre-school is something none of my kids remember very well at all. They remember things like how some child always wanted the same toy or the clean up song... It was more about the socialization.

[jesssicar]

If youre looking for statistics.. here is a good site. you can see student/teacher ratio for grace montesorri.

Grace Montessori School in Allentown, PA 18101 - student and teacher profiles

I went to a montessori school when i was young, loved it!

[vapama]

I had a chance to tour Grace in the winter while choosing a school for my child. Another parent on the tour went to Montessori as a child and was teary because it brought back so many fond memories--they have their own instructional tools and methods. The website above does NOT list accurate info--every classroom had three teachers in it. When we toured, we were able to view the classes through viewing/learning windows so that teachers and students weren't aware of our presence, and as a parent, you are invited to come to watch your child's class when you want. I was extremely impressed with the professionalism of the teachers--it offers so much more than a lot of the other church-based preschools we looked at. Watching the kids "work/learn" was amazing. I believe they have the mixed age early childhood program (3-6) which I visited, plus there is an elementary school nearby.
Location-wise, it's a city school, so if you are the type who doesn't feel comfortable walking amongst the city folk, then this school is not for you. We felt safe and the school has proper safety precautions (fenced play area, door buzzer for all entries). On the day of our tour we grabbed on-street, metered parking across the street. No big deal. There are folks who come from all school districts--Bethlehem and Parkland were the two specifically mentioned by the director. It's a couple of blocks from symphony hall, the art museum, baum school of art, all places that we visit. I hope the location does not deter you--just visit and see if it's the right place for your child!

[2kidsimdone]

Thanks for the input. I really want to send my son to a Montessori since that is what we are used to. I guess I will have to take a ride to see it for myself. Education is so important to me and I guess I will have to deal with the location for 2 years.

[PA.Dutchman]

Good for you for being so careful and taking your time to do this for your children.

Your children are blessed to have a mother who loves them so much to work so hard to get them a good education at a good school.

You are doing the right thing, I volunteered this past year at a local Elementary School in our city. I worked with 2 1ST grades and one 2 ND grade.

I am a senior and things have really changed since we attended school. Keep on top of things even after your children are registered and going to school. Stay involved now more than ever.

[2kidsimdone]

Also, does anyone know if they teach any religion there because I know they are affiliated with a church?

[vapama]

They offer an optional program in the afternoon (once a week if I recall correctly). Christianity is not part of the mission of the school, like with most church schools. I don't recall a single cross or any other iconography during the tour (although I did with many other schools I looked at). So if you are looking for religious education I don't think Grace Montessori offers it as much as other schools would. My impression was that they are very international with teachers and students of many different beliefs.

[FunMomof2]

If you live in the Macungie or Emmaus area you could also send your kids to Brookeside Montessori which is near Bally on Rt. 100. it is a GREAT Montessori school with more flexibility in scheduling options and a very reasonable price. It is a 15 minute drive South of Emmaus/Macungie but it is through beautiful farm county. Plus if your child is in Kindergarten or above the school district will provide a bus for transportation.