North Central preschool for smart kids (Rogers: homes, live, prices)

[m22]

My son is 4...he is reading and writing, and is currently enrolled in a PK program that feels more like a "mother's day out" than a real kindergarten prep curriculum. Many of the teachers aren't even certified. Any recommendations for a preschool, preferably in the North Central area, that will challenge him (and not break the budget at $5-6k)?
Or, stick with the MDO for "fun" and homeschool?

[JZ31171]

Montessori at Rogers Ranch?

[m22]

Which brings a new question...what is the main idea of a montessori and is it generally regarded as challenging??

[FamilyTexas]

Montessori is hands on, learning through the senses. The method of learning is fabulous but you'll also need to look into actual instructors/schools/rules, etc. as some of the schools vary quite a bit.

I've heard nothing but the best about the Discovery School, but if you're looking into this fall you might have troubles getting it-definitely worth a call/tour, however.

Another thought and I know this is out there a bit-but you might also consider just giving him time. This is a personal decision, but school is becoming more demanding and also much longer in duration. It's fabulous that he's doing so well but you could also encourage it on your own, while also allowing him to play in the dirt, explore museums, parks, etc. This will be his last chance to really enjoy his days without school, homework, yk?

[SnappyBob]

Originally Posted by FamilyTexas

Montessori is hands on, learning through the senses. The method of learning is fabulous but you'll also need to look into actual instructors/schools/rules, etc. as some of the schools vary quite a bit.

I've heard nothing but the best about the Discovery School, but if you're looking into this fall you might have troubles getting it-definitely worth a call/tour, however.

Another thought and I know this is out there a bit-but you might also consider just giving him time. This is a personal decision, but school is becoming more demanding and also much longer in duration. It's fabulous that he's doing so well but you could also encourage it on your own, while also allowing him to play in the dirt, explore museums, parks, etc. This will be his last chance to really enjoy his days without school, homework, yk?

I agree, better to lead than push.

[Bo]

Originally Posted by FamilyTexas

Montessori is hands on, learning through the senses.

About 15 years ago, Mrs. Bo toured a Montessori preschool in the place we lived at the time. She noticed a room where kids were playing independently, under the semi-watchful eye of a teacher. One of the "toys" in the room was an electric iron, in a room where the outlets were uncovered and at the kids' level, which she thought was odd and dangerous, so she asked about it. The school director giving the tour explained that the kids were allowed to plug in and use the iron and that sometimes they burned their fingers while using it! This was part of the learning process, she was told.

We didn't send our kids there.

Checking around later, with some parents who were more knowledgable about Montessori, we learned that this school was probably taking the principles a bit too far and that the iron was outside of the norm for such preschools.

[m22]

LOL! Pretty scary. Great feedback. My guy is the youngest in the family & the others weren't early readers so I think I got a little gung-ho about taking advantage of it
But you raise a great point (especially because he is the youngest & last to be home all day) that his year could be much better spent playing with mom at home, seeing the sights around town & enjoying childhood. When you think about it, once they're in kindergarten, they are full time school or work for the next 60+ years!

[TXsurburbanmom]

Not sure of the prices but I have heard wonderful things about St. Thomas on 1604 right at 281. I know a previous teacher there AND had a behavioral specialist recommend it as a great school for not only academics but kids with ADD/ADHD. Not that you child has those issues but one of mine does so...

[L210]

Originally Posted by bo

about 15 years ago, mrs. Bo toured a montessori preschool in the place we lived at the time. She noticed a room where kids were playing independently, under the semi-watchful eye of a teacher. One of the "toys" in the room was an electric iron, in a room where the outlets were uncovered and at the kids' level, which she thought was odd and dangerous, so she asked about it. The school director giving the tour explained that the kids were allowed to plug in and use the iron and that sometimes they burned their fingers while using it! this was part of the learning process, she was told.

We didn't send our kids there.

Checking around later, with some parents who were more knowledgable about montessori, we learned that this school was probably taking the principles a bit too far and that the iron was outside of the norm for such preschools.

lmao!