Preschools / Lower schools in Dallas (Lipscomb: credit, student loans, neighborhood) - Texas (TX) - City-Data Forum

runrunrun · 01-23-2009, 07:56 PM

We are trying to locate a good pre-k 3 school for our 2.5 year old for fall 2009. From what we have been told by his teachers right now is that he is extremely advanced. He can recognize every letter of the alphabet..knows most of the sounds each letter makes, knows numbers...His language skills are way beyond what is expected at his age. I am wondering if anyone can recommend a good prep school in Dallas. I am not sure how they do financial aid but it would seem as though we would need help considering that most of the schools we have looked into are around 15k a year. We just feel like he might be bored in a regular classroom if he already is ahead of the game somewhat. Our neighborhood school has a very poor rating and we would just hate to send him there and for him not to be challenged. Any advice? How do private schools decide who gets financial aid and is there even a chance of getting in on just smarts even if you don't have the finances? Feedback is much appreciated.

pepper131 · 01-23-2009, 08:13 PM

Where do you live (general area) and what school is he in now?

FarNorthDallas · 01-23-2009, 09:28 PM

The financial aid is very limited at private schools, especially for preschool. Some banks have offered K-12 student loans in the past, but with the credit crunch those are harder to fine, but again that's K-12, not preschool.

I have had parent friends with very gifted little kids (all older now) and it was a struggle for them to figure out the proper preschool environment. Most turned to Montessori if they could afford it and others didn't do anything special - just waited for public school and their gifted program. Due to lack of money, they had no choice.

The only total full ride scholarships I have heard for K-12 private schools are for minority kids because the schools are trying very hard to become diversified. Otherwise you may get a couple thousand dollars of financial aid. You have to fill out all the financial aid forms just like college to prove need.

runrunrun · 01-24-2009, 05:53 AM

Well, we might could be a part of the minority group. I am full asian and husband is caucasion which makes our son biracial. We were hoping to see if the minority card would help. We have looked into Montessori but are still wondering if the system does promote challenge. Do you know anything about Dallas Internatinal School?

TXNGL · 01-24-2009, 09:28 AM

Are you in Dallas ISD? Did you check out Dealey Montessori? I could be wrong but I think he wouldn't be able to start next fall but rather the following year. It's a great school full of bright kids. He won't qualify for other public preschools unless he's an "English learner" (basically Hispanic and comes from a Spanish speaking household) or economically disadvantaged. I don't know if that's the case with Dealey or not. We have friends who are at Dealey and they love it, they're kids are thriving.

TXNGL · 01-24-2009, 09:51 AM

they're kids are thriving>>

Ugh! THEIR. Responding to my own post. This is one of my biggest pet peeves, and here I was responding to a post about education! LOL

pepper131 · 01-24-2009, 10:21 AM

I thought the International School had a heavy emphasis on French. That doesn't seem to sound like what you are looking for.

Montessori does provide challenge for kids who are seriously self-motivated to learn.
Look at St Alcuin or White Rock Montessori.
You will find most Montessori schools having a preK3 program (sometimes only for 3 hours/day). Most other schools start at age 4; if they even offer it.

Beyond that, try Greenhill and St Marks - those are the best of the best.

runrunrun · 01-24-2009, 03:12 PM

Thanks so much for all the replies. I will check into Montessori a little more. We live in the East Dallas area and the schools are not so great. I also hear great things about Dealey but I know the getting in is tough. We just figured we would start him a little earlier than 4 bc he seems bored at his MDO and is ready for some new challenges. His teachers have told us this and they keep moving him up to older classes. Plus, MDO is just 2 days a week. I think he would love an extra day or two. Again, thanks for the replies.

pepper131 · 01-24-2009, 03:59 PM

White Rock Montessori is in East Dallas - you should seriously look into it.
Also there's a small toddler Montessori program in Junius Heights:
Junius Heights Montessori School

And don't totally discount Lipscomb Elementary. There's a meet and greet next week on Wed and Thurs around 9am. If you'd like more info, I can get it for you. Some of the K class has just been tested for TAG; those that are ready.

Macbeth2003 · 01-25-2009, 11:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by runrunrun

Thanks so much for all the replies. I will check into Montessori a little more. We live in the East Dallas area and the schools are not so great. I also hear great things about Dealey but I know the getting in is tough. We just figured we would start him a little earlier than 4 bc he seems bored at his MDO and is ready for some new challenges. His teachers have told us this and they keep moving him up to older classes. Plus, MDO is just 2 days a week. I think he would love an extra day or two. Again, thanks for the replies.

Where in East Dallas. We actually have anumber of great schools here. Lipscomb, Lakewood, Jackson, etc. When he turns 5 you may have better options than you realize.