Is Country Day better than some of the top Montessori preschools in McLean area?

[Anonymous]

We’re assessing preschools for our DC (who turns 3 this Fall) and were pretty set on Montessori (MSNV, Brooksfield, etc.). But Country Day (McLean) seems so wonderful. We’re definitely not against play-based, but I guess I’m just looking for some perspectives on (high quality non-day care) play based vs Montessori. Did anyone choose Country Day over Montessori (or not)? Why? TIA from this paralysis by analysis mom.

[Anonymous]

It doesn’t really matter. My kids went to Country Day. It is a wonderful little preschool. I am sure the Montessori schools would also be great. Pick what is convenient in terms of location and schedule. The kids are 3 and 4. None of it really matters.

[Anonymous]

Same reaction as PP. We strongly considered Montessori especially because my son is on the older end due to a fall birthday but “advanced” as far as 3/4 year olds go so liked the mixed age classroom. Ended up at country day because we loved how they talked about early education, the teachers, the grounds. No regrets, but I’m sure he would have thrived in Montessori too.

[Anonymous]

If you want your child reading early..Montessori. If you don't care...Country Day.

[Anonymous]

I visited multiple montessori and play-based schools. I chose play-based because the kids seemed to be happier and learning a lot. Play-based nurturing preschools can work wonders for kids. On the other hand, pay attention to how many kids in class, how many teachers in class, how much time they get outdoors etc.

One observation I had was that in montessori classrooms kids had little social interaction. I believe that in preschool stage social-emotional learning via abundant interactions at school is very important. So I chose play-based.

I should add that Brooksfield seems more of in between, it has both montessori and play-based elements.

[Anonymous]

Brooksfield was awful for us. I’d go with Country Day (or almost any other preschool for that matter).

[Anonymous]

Current Country Day parents. The school is wonderful and they are evidenced -based on how they approach early childhood education and social emotional skills through play. The school emphasizes outdoor time and gets them out even if it’s cold, raining or snow (of course with proper gear)
Like any school, it is teacher dependent, some being incredible (most) and a few less than stellar. We keep pushing for recruiting these unicorn excellent teachers that exist!
They are definitely now working more (due to previous complaints) on kids learning letters and having basic reading concepts before they leave for K
What about the parents? Overall nice and welcoming. The families are all over the place (from super wealthy professional athletes kids to doctors kids to regular white collar jobs) and a mix of dual working parents and SAHM so you will find your tribe in the time you are there!

[Anonymous]

Former teacher who now works elsewhere. It’s an amazing school. I miss the philosophy. But agree, the teachers are hit or miss. Your kids have the rest of their lives to learn physics and calculus. Pls let them learn conflict management, social skills, sharing and a love of school. Good luck!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Brooksfield was awful for us. I’d go with Country Day (or almost any other preschool for that matter).

OP here. Curious to hear more if you’re willing to expand on this. We were so excited about Brooksfield based on their website and other reviews but were thoroughly unimpressed with the virtual tour (the Admissions Director word vomited for an hour with no time for questions, the whole presentation was very disorganized, video was super laggy, etc.), but we didn’t want to discount it based on one person’s online tour…

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:If you want your child reading early..Montessori. If you don't care...Country Day.

This. My older two went to Montessori when we were out of state and both were very fluent readers and doing simple math problems before entering K. My youngest went to Country Day and didn’t know a single sight word before she started K. It’s a fun school but very weak academically.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Current Country Day parents. The school is wonderful and they are evidenced -based on how they approach early childhood education and social emotional skills through play. The school emphasizes outdoor time and gets them out even if it’s cold, raining or snow (of course with proper gear)
Like any school, it is teacher dependent, some being incredible (most) and a few less than stellar. We keep pushing for recruiting these unicorn excellent teachers that exist!
They are definitely now working more (due to previous complaints) on kids learning letters and having basic reading concepts before they leave for K
What about the parents? Overall nice and welcoming. The families are all over the place (from super wealthy professional athletes kids to doctors kids to regular white collar jobs) and a mix of dual working parents and SAHM so you will find your tribe in the time you are there!

It has been some time, but we were at MSM and also CD, and CD was the best by far. The staff and grounds are outstanding.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Former teacher who now works elsewhere. It’s an amazing school. I miss the philosophy. But agree, the teachers are hit or miss. Your kids have the rest of their lives to learn physics and calculus. Pls let them learn conflict management, social skills, sharing and a love of school. Good luck!

Which school????

[Anonymous]

Manor Dawn is better.

[Anonymous]

Not OP but currently trying to make the same decision and having the same struggle re montessori vs traditional. The appeal of montessori for us is fostering independence, self-confidence, and setting her up for success in early reading and math. But the traditional school also seems like a great, nurturing place with wonderful resources that could make for a very positive experience. Would the personality of the kid (ours is a little on the shy/anxious side, although generally happy and sweet) make you recommend one setting vs the other?

[Anonymous]

Unless you want to teach your kid to read themselves, do not send them to Country Day. The Country Day kids across the board are the most behind in reading in my daughter’s K class.