Which of these preschools would be more attractive to you and why? UPDATE in #11, 16

[L'sMommy]

This is for a 3 y/o that goes to preschool full-time.

Preschool #1
Class size is 20 kids with 2 teachers.
Fairly spacious class.
Tons of different types of toys for kids to explore.
Take the school bus once a week to gym class.
Once potty trained, take school bus to swim class once a week.
Outdoor play space has a sandbox, a climbing structure, but not riding toys.
Overall atmosphere/feel is businesslike. Teachers not as warm/friendly - there doesn't seem to be a personal touch even at the reception desk.
School goes from infants to Kindergarten and is what I consider very large (not sure how many kids).
A little less expensive than Preschool #2


Preschool #2
Class size is 12-14 kids with 2 teachers.
Spacewise, classes seem fine and the whole school is very bright/cheery and looks brand new.
Not as many types of toys in class as Preschool #1.
School is much more academic focused vs. learning through play.
5 field trips per year.
Outdoor play space has lots of riding toys, and other toys, but no climbing structure.
Overall atmosphere is very friendly and family-like. The director knows most of the parents by name. Have not met the teachers so I cannot comment on them.
School goes from infants to Kindergarten and has 200 kids.
It's expensive.

[ChefGirl]

This is for a 3 y/o that goes to preschool full-time.
Preschool #2
Class size is 12-14 kids with 2 teachers.
Spacewise, classes seem fine and the whole school is very bright/cheery and looks brand new.
Not as many types of toys in class as Preschool #1.
School is much more academic focused vs. learning through play.
5 field trips per year.
Outdoor play space has lots of riding toys, and other toys, but no climbing structure.
Overall atmosphere is very friendly and family-like. The director knows most of the parents by name. Have not met the teachers so I cannot comment on them.
School goes from infants to Kindergarten and has 200 kids.
It's expensive.

This sounds like our current school for DS#3. We love it there.

[sste]

I like smaller ratios - - we have done it both ways and not only does your child get more teacher attention with the better ratio it is easier and thus more likely the teachers will do cool, complicated projects.

I am not a fan of overly academic preschool but sometimes preschools bill themselves that way to attract parents but when you sit in *with the particular teachers your child will have* it may not play out that way. Can you observe the actual teachers who will be instructing your child in both schools?

[lucybabymamma]

I would probably vote preschool #2 because smaller class size and more loving atmosphere -- however, not really sure about the more "academic" part, since play IS learning at 3 -- would hate to have DC lose out on the fun of that....

[crl]

I don't know. Meeting the teachers would be key for me.

I am not in favor of academics in pre-school and depending on how that is executed might make the decision for me. Are they making the kids sit and do work sheets? Or are they reading to them in circle time? The second would be fine with me, the first would not.

I actually think slightly bigger classes (though not higher ratios) can be beneficial as that gives kids a bigger variety of potential friends.

I would not like the field trips to the pool at that age. Not at all. (We had an unfortunate swim class incident where despite two teachers and a life guard, the only person who saw our ds fall into the pool was dh--he had to yell at the teachers to pull ds out.)

The pool trips might be a deal breaker for me.

Catherine

[lmh2402]

i agree with PPs - i'm torn. i would much prefer the smaller class size and "cheery" more personal feeling of #2

but i would definitely go for play-based over "academic-based."

hmm...that's tough

[boolady]

i agree with PPs - i'm torn. i would much prefer the smaller class size and "cheery" more personal feeling of #2

but i would definitely go for play-based over "academic-based."

hmm...that's tough

I think you really need to go see things in action. DD goes to a "play based" daycare/preschool that is far less "playbased" than our old one, i.e., she does one or two worksheets a day. I don't love that fact at all, but she will only be there until May, and she only started there in September, and since I like her teachers and she does too and she loves her classmates, I'm not moving her again for about 6 months.

[luckytwenty]

My daughter's preschool was much more academic than my son's, and it was also more loving (I thought). I don't think she suffered from lack of play. She entered kindergarten scoring 97th percent in the reading & math tests while my son was in the 70s for both. I wouldn't say academic has to be no fun/no affection.

That being said--go with your gut! Which one seems better to YOU? I'd never underestimate instincts.

[kerridean]

The swim class makes me REALLY nervous and I would not allow it for my DD. As a former lifeguard, I take water safety very seriously and do not allow anyone else to watch my children around water. They are 8 and 6 and on the swim team and this still applies.

[BayGirl2]

I'd go for #2. Loving environment, good ratio, personable Director are all important to me. I am ok with academic. I want kids to learn that learning is fun and lifelong, and I expect in full time care they will still have plenty of playtime.