Gymboree-type class in Bethesda/ChCh/NW for almost one-year old?

[Anonymous]

I loved Gymboree with my first child, and would like to find something like it for #2, but I won't go back to Gymboree under the new regime. But I loved that the classes were focused on small age ranges, so attention was really paid to age-appropriate development. Had great relationships with the teachers, and made some good friends that we're still in touch with several years later. Kidville's awfully expensive, and My Gym is so frantic with their techno music it makes me crazy. What else is out there? Any suggestions much appreciated! Thanks!

[Anonymous]

Kidville is indeed awfully expensive but we found it to be much better than Gymboree. Also Montgomery County Parks and Recreation does a Tiny Tots class called Funfit once a week at the recreation center in friendship heights which is a lot of fun and inexpensive,

[Anonymous]

What's wrong/changed with gymboree?

[Anonymous]

I was going to suggest the Rec Dept too. We did some wonderful classes at the Leland Center (has a new name now) that my kids loved - Funfit, Me Too, Art Adventures, Tiny Hands Crafts and some beginner ballet. Price is right and locations are convenient.

[Anonymous]

21:03 - Gymboree fired their most senior, wonderful teachers and replaced them with people willing to work for much, much less but really don't know anything about the kids. (They claim the teachers quit to go back to school.) Ed (owner) also took on a new business partner that teaches as well and really shouldn't be doing so.