My son is 19 months and I know it's time to start thinking about pre-school as I hear the waiting lists are killer! He already loves learning so I want him to be in an environment where he'll be challenged, but diversity among students as well as staff is really important to me. Does anything like that exist in the Dallas metroplex? I'm from Chicago so I'm not sure where to begin. North Dallas, Plano, RIchardson would all be convenient but I am willing to make the drive for the right place. Thanks in advance for your input!
We have been very happy with Bent Tree Child Development Center! Now it's time for Kindergarten.
try Creme de la Creme ... it is pricey but I know a few people who sent thier kids there and liked it.
We dont have the money for it, but I love montessori programs for preschool. Our friends send their children to St. Alcuin Montessori School, which is in Lake Highlands, and they really like it.
I dont know about the diversity there..
Montessori programs normally have to be accredited some way and you know what you get as far as a program.
You can check out any schools you are interested in on the Savvy Source.
We will be sending our son to the Kessler School. Its fairly diverse for a private pre-school and seems to be the right mix of challenge and organized play.
http://www.thekesslerschool.com/
Saint Alcuin seems to be the most popular Montessori school among my parent friends, but I think it is spectacularly hard to get into.
http://www.saintalcuin.org/
I've also heard great things about Greenhill.
http://www.greenhill.org/
Finally, I don't know much about it, but the Museum of Nature and Science in Dallas has a preschool:
http://www.natureandscience.org/education/sp_school.asp
I don't know what you're thinking of spending but Lamplighter is an amazing school - that starts at PreK 3 - (3 by 9/1) and goes until the 4th school. My daughter loves, loves it and started reading at 4 1/2. She'll be in K there next year. I also here great things about DaVinci and two of the Montessori's in Dallas, St. Alcuin's and Westwood. All of these schools are in North Dallas - just south of LBJ except Westwood which is in Addison. Good luck!
Based on what you're saying a Montessori program might be ideal for your son. Reasearch it so you know for sure. I chose Montessori since my daughter is a Sept kid and didn't want her to be the eldest in Pre-K.
When it comes to finding diversity, you'll need to visit places. I visited many to find a place I preferred overall academically, teachers and had diversity. I myself come from the NE. Consider also the drive to places. I live in East Dallas and I visited many places close to my home since I knew no matter where my husband and I worked we could keep our kids in the same place since it was near our home. It will take time for you to find a place, but you'll be happy ultimately with your decision. Good luck.
