Preschool and Montessori Schools for a Three Year Old in Orange County.

check early explorations in san clemente

Hi L.,
My daughter (2 1/2) goes to Arbor Christian School in Lake Forest. They go from 6 wks to 6th grade. I think they are very affordable and the class sizes are small. She has been there since she was 3 1/2 mos. They do provide meals, which is included in the monthly tuition whether you use them or not; and you are able to send food instead. I cannot say enough good about this school. When I first found them, the fact that they were a "Christian School" was definatly not my main priority. I could not afford Montesorri (as was my first plan)....I can honestly say that I have no regrets. If you have any questions, please feel free to email me! Good luck. T.

I'm not sure where you live and/or work, but I have my kids at Montessori on the Lake in Lake Forest. My oldest is nearly four and has been there since he was four months old. My youngest is in the infant room and is eight months old. I've been very happy with it. I promise you, it's the biggest bill I have every month with the exception of my mortgage, but in looking around, I don't see how I'd do it any cheaper without really compromising on their safety and education.

I pack their lunch every day or there is an optional, additional cost hot lunch you can do. They provide snacks. I know some folks don't like having to do a lunch, but I actually like it so I can control what they eat. They also have a no sugar policy for anything they bring in their lunches.

Very caring environment, very educational, lots of physical activity and very structured. I know some folks complain that Montessoris have no structure and are all over the place, but I have found this school to be very structured, yet still allow them to be preschoolers!

I see the difference when we attend gymnastics class or go to birthday parties with other kids from other daycares or preschools...my son (and the other kids from the school) listen very well, take direction and my little favorite, stand nicely in line with their hands behind their backs.

It's a great school...great teachers...

-M

I kept this in my inbox because my daughter is 2, so I'm just starting to think about preschool research. I was interested in the replies you received. There are very few. Perhaps if you included a specific city or area you would get more feedback.

Out of curiosity, where do you live and have you found a good school?

Thanks! R.

How funny. I'm in Capo Beach as well. In Dana Point, there is Broderick Montessori - it's sort of across from Taco Bell on PCH.

http://www.broderickmontessori.com/

Our son went there for summer school at 3.5 and really liked it. We homeschool now, but he liked the teacher and the kids.