Seeking info on Bethesda Country Day School

[Anonymous]

Hello - We are relocating to DC and trying to find a daycare/pre-K space for my daughter who is 3 (will turn 4 in December). Can anyone comment positively or negatively on Bethesda Country Day School?

Thanks in advance!

[Anonymous]

No direct experience. My next door neighbor has her pre-K son there this year and has been very happy.

However, a few years ago parents had MAJOR complaints about the facility. They alleged that the company was deferring repairs and the place was falling apart (had rodents etc.). Since then, they invested big bucks in an upgrade, new playground etc. However, the reputation in the neighborhood is still somewhat influenced by what some perceived as putting profits above safety concerns. It's also VERY expensive-- and I'm not sure it's a good value.

One alternative worth exploring is Christ Church Child Care, [phone]. They are moving into a brand new building and will have a small pre-K class. . I think this is a new class for them and it is specifically designed for kids with fall birthdays that miss the school cut-off. They will be taking deposits soon. This daycare provider has had an excellent reputation in Bethesda but has had crummy facilities in a downtown bethesda church. They are moving north, near Democracy and Fernwood.

My information is a few years old, but I believe one difference between the two places is Bethesda Country Day is for-profit and Christ Church is non-profit run with in-put from a parent board. I don't believe there is much of a religious component to the Christ Church child care and I would suspect that whatever there is now may terminate when they leave their current facility.

[Anonymous]

Thanks for this info! I visited today and it was ok but I wasn't thrilled. I will follow up with Christ Church and see what they have to say.

I honestly think that finding reliable childcare/schooling must be the hardest part about parenting (please, don't anyone tell me that it gets harder than this somewhere else along the line!)

[Anonymous]

As someone who actually sends their kids there, I'll tell you we are very happy. The PP is not well informed IMO. There is a new principal since the above info. she mentioned. They did invest heavily when they heard their lease was being renewed two years ago knowing they were going to be there for 10 more years. Unlike some preschools in the area, the kids actually learn!!

It is pricey, I won't deny that but IMO, very worth it. The staff is all very friendly and great with the kids. The do field trips, bring in shows for the kids, and provide drop off for the parents. And unlike what the previous poster said, the word on the street--from friends in the MOMS Club here--is that BCDS is a very academic preschool compared to the others around.

[Anonymous]

Can I ask what class your child is in? My daughter's birthday is such that she could either fit into a preK-1 class or an intermediate class. I am inclined to put her in the pre-K 1 class because I think she can handle it, but would be curious for your comments on either the preK-1 or intermediate classes (depending on where your child is).

TIA!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:
However, a few years ago parents had MAJOR complaints about the facility. They alleged that the company was deferring repairs and the place was falling apart (had rodents etc.). Since then, they invested big bucks in an upgrade, new playground etc. However, the reputation in the neighborhood is still somewhat influenced by what some perceived as putting profits above safety concerns. It's also VERY expensive-- and I'm not sure it's a good value.

I had heard something similar from my neighbor. My neighbor's youngest is in 3rd or 4th grade so she was probably talking about the situation at least 5 years ago when she was looking around at all the preschool options. As for the present day reputation - I don't have a child there and I don't know anyone with a child there. I went to the open house and I liked the teachers I met. I personally didn't connect with the director - but that was me. Someone else could have a very different feeling.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Can I ask what class your child is in? My daughter's birthday is such that she could either fit into a preK-1 class or an intermediate class. I am inclined to put her in the pre-K 1 class because I think she can handle it, but would be curious for your comments on either the preK-1 or intermediate classes (depending on where your child is).

TIA!

Poster 22:20 here - I forgot to add. From the tour it sounds like the class is strictly determined by the birthday - so if your child turns 4 in December - he or she for example would be in the late 3's with Oct/Nov/Dec birthdays not in a Pre-K class. There were maybe 3 classes for each age group so it could be broken up by birthday months. It didn't sound like there were choices or exceptions or at least there wasn't for my situation.

[Anonymous]

Yes, what class your child is in is based on the Mont. County School Calendar. They place the Sept.-Dec. kids together and the Jan-August kids together. If you child is an earlier kid, you could have the option of starting them (after thier b-day) in the older class but they would repeat it the following year sine they wouldn't be ready for MC kindergarden.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:As someone who actually sends their kids there, I'll tell you we are very happy. The PP is not well informed IMO. There is a new principal since the above info. she mentioned. They did invest heavily when they heard their lease was being renewed two years ago knowing they were going to be there for 10 more years. Unlike some preschools in the area, the kids actually learn!!

It is pricey, I won't deny that but IMO, very worth it. The staff is all very friendly and great with the kids. The do field trips, bring in shows for the kids, and provide drop off for the parents. And unlike what the previous poster said, the word on the street--from friends in the MOMS Club here--is that BCDS is a very academic preschool compared to the others around.

I agree. We have a child there as well. I second the very academic nature of the school. Kids have fun playing too. The shcws are great. Two large playgrounds outside. Lunch is provided in addition to daily snacks. Not pricey when considering the costs of other private pre-ks in the NW DC/ MD area.