Recent experiences with Geneva Day School?

[Anonymous]

Hello -- I was reading some older posts about mixed reviews on Geneva Day School. Has anyone attended recently (in the past year) or have a child attending this fall (2009). We are considering their 3 day program and would love any feedback.

[Anonymous]

Geneva Day School is absolutely wonderful! My kid started their in the Fall of 2008 two days a week, and by the Spring I had taken her out of the top Synagogue preschool she was attending on MWFs to enroll her for five days a week at Geneva. She simply loves it there -- and learned/s so much more on a daily basis even though the other program was NAEYC accredited.

The teachers truly care, love their kids, love their work, and make the process of learning -- and becoming self-sufficient little people -- truly fun. My daughter can't seem to spend enough time there, and it's not like she doesn't love being at home and playing with her friends outside of school too. If you come visit, watch how comfortable every single kid looks. Geneva lets kids be themselves, even if that means watching an activity on occasion; the teachers don't pressure every kid to conform or participate, but at the same time there is definite structure and routine. You'll find that many of the teachers have been there decades, and much of the staff had their own kids at Geneva and fell so in love with the school that they stayed on to remain part of the community. The director is wonderful -- extremely caring, wise and down to earth. The playground is terrific. The Parent's Association is strong and extremely welcoming. And, I must admit, having such a well-run carpool line throughout the year in all kinds of weather doesn't hurt either! The extracurricular activities are fabulous too: for this coming fall here's a snapshot for kids 3+: Spanish, Ballet, MyGym, Music Theater, Farsi, StoryTelling, Dance/Movement, Karate, and more. Three and Four years olds also have the option of participating in a classroom of mixed ages -- kind of like a Montessori philosophy with some of Georgetown Day tossed in. Another thing you'll find is that the parents are VERY educated, and either stay at home moms or dads who used to have very impressive careers; fulltime working parents who want their kids to be not only cared for during the day, but to really have fun and learn and not feel a void in their lives but rather that going to school during the day is a treat (really, watch the playground or the classrooms -- all the kids are doing something, they're all engaged, and they all want to be there).

One other thing to note is that there are a lot of interesting activities that involve the environment, tactile exploration, growing things, and exploring; kids "play" all day at Geneva but in the process they are becoming little scientists. There is also a strong Art Program, Reading and Writing program, and Music and Fitness. Really, it feels like sending the kids to have a preview of Williams, Amherst, or Brown -- and as far as I can tell, and I've met a lot of terrific parents there, the kids really thrive there whatever their needs are.

[Anonymous]

Geneva Day School is absolutely wonderful! My kid started there in the Fall of 2008 two days a week, and by the Spring I had taken her out of the top Synagogue preschool she was attending on MWFs to enroll her for five days a week at Geneva. She simply loves it there -- and learned/s so much more on a daily basis even though the other program was NAEYC accredited.

The teachers truly care, love their kids, love their work, and make the process of learning -- and becoming self-sufficient little people -- truly fun. My daughter can't seem to spend enough time there, and it's not like she doesn't love being at home and playing with her friends outside of school too. If you come visit, watch how comfortable every single kid looks. Geneva lets kids be themselves, even if that means watching an activity on occasion; the teachers don't pressure every kid to conform or participate, but at the same time there is definite structure and routine. You'll find that many of the teachers have been there decades, and much of the staff had their own kids at Geneva and fell so in love with the school that they stayed on to remain part of the community. The director is wonderful -- extremely caring, wise and down to earth. The playground is terrific. The Parent's Association is strong and extremely welcoming. And, I must admit, having such a well-run carpool line throughout the year in all kinds of weather doesn't hurt either! The extracurricular activities are fabulous too: for this coming fall here's a snapshot for kids 3+: Spanish, Ballet, MyGym, Music Theater, Farsi, StoryTelling, Dance/Movement, Karate, and more. Three and Four years olds also have the option of participating in a classroom of mixed ages -- kind of like a Montessori philosophy with some of Georgetown Day tossed in. Another thing you'll find is that the parents are VERY educated, and either stay at home moms or dads who used to have very impressive careers; fulltime working parents who want their kids to be not only cared for during the day, but to really have fun and learn and not feel a void in their lives but rather that going to school during the day is a treat (really, watch the playground or the classrooms -- all the kids are doing something, they're all engaged, and they all want to be there).

One other thing to note is that there are a lot of interesting activities that involve the environment, tactile exploration, growing things, and exploring; kids "play" all day at Geneva but in the process they are becoming little scientists. There is also a strong Art Program, Reading and Writing program, and Music and Fitness. Really, it feels like sending the kids to have a preview of Williams, Amherst, or Brown -- and as far as I can tell, and I've met a lot of terrific parents there, the kids really thrive there whatever their needs are.

[Anonymous]

Geneva Day School is absolutely wonderful! My kid started there in the Fall of 2008 two days a week, and by the Spring I had taken her out of the top Synagogue preschool she was attending on MWFs to enroll her for five days a week at Geneva. She simply loves it there -- and learned/s so much more on a daily basis even though the other program was NAEYC accredited.

The teachers truly care, love their kids, love their work, and make the process of learning -- and becoming self-sufficient little people -- truly fun. My daughter can't seem to spend enough time there, and it's not like she doesn't love being at home and playing with her friends outside of school too. If you come visit, watch how comfortable every single kid looks. Geneva lets kids be themselves, even if that means watching an activity on occasion; the teachers don't pressure every kid to conform or participate, but at the same time there is definite structure and routine. You'll find that many of the teachers have been there decades, and much of the staff had their own kids at Geneva and fell so in love with the school that they stayed on to remain part of the community. The director is wonderful -- extremely caring, wise and down to earth. The playground is terrific. The Parents' Association is strong and extremely welcoming. And, I must admit, having such a well-run carpool line throughout the year in all kinds of weather doesn't hurt either! The extracurricular activities are fabulous too: for this coming fall here's a snapshot for kids 3+: Spanish, Ballet, MyGym, Music Theater, Farsi, StoryTelling, Dance/Movement, Karate, and more. Three and Four years olds also have the option of participating in a classroom of mixed ages -- kind of like a Montessori philosophy with some of Georgetown Day tossed in. Another thing you'll find is that the parents are VERY educated, and either stay at home moms or dads who used to have very impressive careers; fulltime working parents who want their kids to be not only cared for during the day, but to really have fun and learn and not feel a void in their lives but rather that going to school during the day is a treat (really, watch the playground or the classrooms -- all the kids are doing something, they're all engaged, and they all want to be there).

One other thing to note is that there are a lot of interesting activities that involve the environment, tactile exploration, growing things, and exploring; kids "play" all day at Geneva but in the process they are becoming little scientists. There is also a strong Art Program, Reading and Writing program, and Music and Fitness. Really, it feels like sending the kids to have a preview of Williams, Amherst, or Brown -- and as far as I can tell, and I've met a lot of terrific parents there, the kids really thrive there whatever their needs are.

[Anonymous]

I cant speak for everyone but I found the place to be a little mean and harsh. Was not crazy about the rude staff and not impressed with the overall cool demeanor of staff. On the other hand, it looked clean and I believe the people were generally competent and had good intentions. No major problems but just not my favorite place. I there are superior establishments in the area-- St Andrews, Rock Spring, St James, Manor Montesorri to name a few

[Anonymous]

I have one child at Geneva and have had one there. I love the school. From an educational standpoint, it is great. You could get the same level of learning at a Montessori school, but with a difeerent approach.
I will say that the open classroom is a like it or hate it situation. We are not in that class.
There have been issues with some parents and teachers, wrt harsh evaluation of some kids. The take a close look at your child, and will let you know what needs attention. That has hurt some parents, including myself. I just think it is a case of taking their job very seriously.

[Anonymous]

I found Geneva a little harsh as well. My child did not like it and we withdrew. She felt lots of anxiety about this place. We transferred to St Andrews and the experience has been like night and day. She has blossomed at Andrews and is excited every morning for school.