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Thanks so much, Ann77
Someone at the local park recommended St.Augustine's preschool in Kendall Park -- I went in on Friday; however, their PreK-4 is full (apparently registration was in February and it filled up fast). I was/am hesitant about using daycares for preschools -- but I should probably ask around a bit more. I visited one daycare/preschool -- and they said their a.m. hours begins at 7:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.; I was looking more at a 2.5 to 3 hour/day preschool.
Yes, I will be careful with the Montessoris -- some of them are not even licensed. I wish there was something similar to Children's House Montessori in Highland Park around here. So, seems like I have some hunting around to do.
St. A's is wonderful, but it does fill up very quickly.
I know people who liked the one at Princeton Alliance Church, but that's in Plainsboro, so not sure if it's too far for you. I don't think it's associated with the church, I think they rent the space. But they were very happy there. It's a co-op. Kids Corner.
Thanks, Ann77. I've requested St. Augustine's administrators to put me (rather, my kid) on their waiting list or call me if they have any openings (though obviously I am not too hopeful) . I heard some really good things about them
I googled Kids Corner -- it is about 20 minutes from where I live. It looks great, though. I especially like the fact that parents are involved as well. Sounds like a really nice school.
Thanks, Ann77. I've requested St. Augustine's administrators to put me (rather, my kid) on their waiting list or call me if they have any openings (though obviously I am not too hopeful) . I heard some really good things about them
I googled Kids Corner -- it is about 20 minutes from where I live. It looks great, though. I especially like the fact that parents are involved as well. Sounds like a really nice school.
What about the Y? Those are usually good programs.
Hello
I am new to South Brunswick, NJ and I am looking for a preschool for my 4 year old kid. I did see three Montessori schools in the area and was wondering if anyone can share their experiences. My only criteria is that my kid is happy, and has fun and does some learning along the way
Thanks in advance
My child attended Kinder Kastle on Rt 27. It was the BEST experience. They offer great summer programs and amazing classes. The director, Kelly is wonderful to work with, the atmosphere is very family oriented.
Children's First Montessori on New Road is one I would NOT recommend. My child attended for 1 1/2 years and the philosophy has changed drastically. It was very focused on repetition of work with little left to the imagination. If your child is creative, then this is not the place to be. Anyone who thinks outside the box is considered disruptive and a problem if not following the very strict Montessori ways. At CFM, my child was considered to be remedial because she held her pencil a different way or because she was drawn to looking at stories in a different manner. We left and began attending Kinder Kastle, a bit out of my way in the morning, but the best sacrifice we made. She blosomed into her own person with so much happiness. She is now in Kindergartden and reads and does math at the 1st grade level. To think she was considered remedial, at Children's First, because she couldn't be forced into their own antiquated way of thinking! Please remember that this was my experience and not everyone's, but many children left when we did. I hope you find a great place where your child can be happy and have the ability to express him/her self. Best of luck.
So, I checked out a few places. They seem pretty nice ; which is what is making this really difficult. I checked out Kinder Kastle, Rainbow Academy (it was next to Kinder Kastle), Robbins Nest and Keyboard Kids (both in North Brunswick). Any opinions, good or bad, about any of these schools ?
Ann77, I need to check out the Y -- I hope to do that in the following week.
Unfortunately, St. A's is completely full -- so my hopes are dashed with that one
So, I checked out a few places. They seem pretty nice ; which is what is making this really difficult. I checked out Kinder Kastle, Rainbow Academy (it was next to Kinder Kastle), Robbins Nest and Keyboard Kids (both in North Brunswick). Any opinions, good or bad, about any of these schools ?
Ann77, I need to check out the Y -- I hope to do that in the following week.
Unfortunately, St. A's is completely full -- so my hopes are dashed with that one
Thanks in advance.
Yeah, those preschools fill up quickly in a lot of the Catholic schools now.
I don't know those schools. But one thing I've learned is to factor in how much you like the director, as well as the classrooms, etc.
The director is really important and can make or break a place.
She is also the person you will be going to if you have any questions or issues. If you get a better vibe from one of the directors over another, factor that into your decision.
when we lived in that area, my son attended the Unitarian Montessori School - The Unitarian Montessori School - it had very good location in the wooded quited lot - bright school building, great large playground, children's garden... it was an AMS school, in the same building with the church, but there was nothing religious in the cirruculum... it had at that time one nursery class, and two 3-6 classes... the curriculum was good - in addition to the regular Montessori program they had music/yoga/French enrichment, also hatched chicken and cooked in the kids' kitchen... nap time was with some quite classic music on the background and shaded windows )))
it's about 20 mins from South Brunswick I guess, maybe too far
Ann77 and Yulga, thanks so much
Yulga, the Montessori schools in East Brunswick are a commute for me. I am still undecided on what to do, need to compare rates, the childcare/preschool curriculum offered, my experience with the directors etc -- hopefully my kid will transition well into one of the schools
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