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After a long search, we've pretty much decided on the Larchmont/Mamaroneck area and I'm wondering about timing for preschool applications and so on. Is this a good time to apply? Am I too late? We've been waiting a bit because we are only just starting the house hunting process and are not exactly sure where we will end up but now I'm concerned we might miss the boat!
Also any suggestions of preschools would be great. I know there is LAC, Discovering Me and the Montessori in Mamaroneck but if any of you have any personal feedback on those schools or other ones to recommend I would appreciate it.
Thanks!
LAC is great - many families that go there end up at Chatsworth, so you and your child will see lots of familiar faces for K. Are you talking about September '12 spots, though? If so, I know they've already done their lottery there so at least in the 4 yo class, all of the AM spots are taken.
Discovering Me appeals more to parents that need FT care. Many I know are happy there, too, it just felt too claustrophobic for me. There is also St. John's, Mamaroneck Co-Op, etc. Really it depends on where you land, but you could end up driving 10 minutes each way if you, say, lived near Mam. Ave school but attended Discovering Me.
I can vouch for Mamaroneck Community Nursery, our experience has been great. We looked around all the schools and applied a little late - but you may be able to wrangle a mixed full day - half day week to cover the 5 days. I've never heard anything negative about the other places you mention, I think you'll be fine with any of them.
There's also a bohemian wacky place out in Saxon Woods (S W Country School I think) which usually has open spots - its not cookie cutter enough for most tastes though.
My advice to you is apply as soon as humanly possible. Nursery schools in the area are extremely competitive. I went to LAC and also interned there while in high school, and it is a fantastic program. You won't find more caring teachers anywhere in my opinion.
Don't go to Saxon Woods Country School. It is way past wacky. Let me know if you need more info why, via DM. LAC is great, Mam'k co-op has a good rep also. Discovering Me is popular but the kids need to go across the street to the park, and the parking is a pain. The Montessori has a good rep and there is another in New Rochelle on Quaker Ridge Road.
There is one other option, but it won't work if you are Jewish, and that is Sts. John & Paul school, which might have a Pre-K program, but for 4 year olds, I believe-didn't know what age your child is. If they do you'd have the option of 1/2 or full day. If you are Jewish Larchmont temple has a program, as does JCC, which is at the corner of Palmer and Rockland, in Mamaroneck.
Thank you all so much for your advice. A lot of you mentioned LAC but at the moment they only have afternoon spots. Have any of you had experience with afternoon sessions for preschool? My son has been in the morning this year and for his 2's program as well. He should be done by naps by the fall but do you feel the children get as much out of it? Also jjinla you mentioned that LAC is good if your child ends up going to Chatsworth. What about Murray Ave school? We're looking in both the Chatsworth and Murray areas and I'm curious if the different areas tend to go to one or other of the preschools.
Thanks again everyone!!
I used to drive past Saxon Woods every day and it just looked dirty - they always had a ton of filthy old toys stacked in the back and a pool that was begging to attract mosquitos or god only knows what else. Does SJP havc a pre-K program? I know St. John's in the Manor does for sure. There is also Little Flower right near Mam Co-Op. The JCC is in Scarsdale, not Larchmont, just to clarify.
As others have said, you can't go wrong with LAC. This is our 4th school and the staff are so loving, great structure and communication, ratios, etc. It isn't particularly fancy or highly academic, but I don't think that a preschool should be. The Co-op is also great, but it was across town for me, and I didn't have time to be in the class once a month or so, as required (although you can buy your way out of that.)
My 3yo is in the afternoon at LAC and although I initially hated it, I actually love it because it is a much smaller bunch so they get more 1:1. It was hard in the beginning, but she was starting to give up her naps for the most part anyway. A ton of Murray and Central parents are there...it's especially the school of choice for Chatsworth parents it seems since it's literally right there.
WJC - really popular school, but a fortune from what I recall.
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