School of the Woods (San Antonio, Early: preschool, doctorate, activities)

[dosto]

Thinking of enrolling my kid into the School of the Woods, but for some reason there isn't much info out there about this school compared to other private schols. Any experiences with the School of the Woods? Pros/cons? Areas of concern?

[houstmom]

My son attended SOW for 3 years-all in Early Childhood Education. We moved to San Antonio but we were planning on keeping him at SOW through high school! We loved SOW. Its a little on the small side and didn't have a lot of extra circular activities to offer (at least at the preschool/Kinder level) but the school has a very intimate, homey feel. The grounds are so beautiful.

[dosto]

Thanks for your reply. The school looks good, but my major concern is the level of academics. That is what most people complain about Montessori type programs. How was the academic part of the school?

[houstmom]

Its hard to say since my DS was only there for preschool/K. I've heard this concern before in regards to Montessori. However the great thing about Montessori is that grades/levels are combined (preschool and K are together, 1-3rd are together) so each child can work at a more advanced level if capable.

I had no concerns with the academics at SOW and did not hear about any.

[dosto]

Thank you. I'm waiting for their open house, which will be in OCtober. Hope I can see everything for myself. Was it difficult to get in? I'm looking at pre-K or K for starters.

[Green1234]

I went to SOTW from preschool through elementary in the 1980s, then left for public jr. high and high school in SBISD. At that time SOTW did not have tests or homework--I don't know if this has changed. I never took a test (except for the year-end standardized tests) until I went to jr. high.

When I got to jr. high, I made straight A's and was quickly put into GT and other advanced programs, then I graduated *** laude from Memorial High School. My brother's experience from SOTW to public school was similar and today my brother and I both have doctorate degrees.

I've been to SOTW reunions and most of my former classmates have graduate degrees. So I'd say it's a great path to a lifetime of learning.

My only concern is the small size. It's bigger now but when I was there it felt very small by the time I was 10--like only a few kids per grade once you enter jr. high. Perhaps these small numbers contribute to the lack of information for you to find.

[dosto]

I appreciate your information. I scheduled a visit to SOTW next week. I'm definitely insterested. I did not know much about Montessori, but now, after reading more about the method, I realized that my own teaching (I'm a teacher, but my degree is from another country) is very much montessori-like.
I personally do not mind small classes. I graduated from a class of 24. It may be an advantage to my child, because she has a slight anxiety about big classes, big schools, crowds, etc.

[houstmom]

I put my DS on a waiting list about a year before he was to enroll in pre-K. We had no trouble getting in.

[dosto]

That's great! The lady on the phone mentioned a waiting list, so I'm a bit concerned, but I do have time. My baby is only 3 y.o.