PreK: Miner v. CHM@L

[Anonymous]

Not in-bounds for Miner, but I live on the Hill and am trying to get some insight into which program (Miner or Cap Hill Montessori @ Logan) is generally viewed as more desirable and why.

- Differences in before care and after care?
- After care activities/clubs?
- Safety?
- Quality of facilities?

Not going to remain in either school after PreK, so I don’t need to consider K-5 when choosing. Both are going on my lottery list; just trying to figure out where to put them.

Any guidance would be greatly appreciated.

[Anonymous]

Some people like Montessori and some people don't. One isn't better than another.

[Anonymous]

Both are perfectly acceptable for preK, so figure out whether your particular kid would benefit from a Montessori approach. Or consider your daily commute.

[Anonymous]

Unless you are really into Montessori or live right next to CHML, I would rank Miner higher for PK (both schools have issues with upper grades but I'm talking just about the PK program here).

Mainly because CHML mostly attracts families who are very into Montessori, and if you don't really care, I think you will feel more comfortable at Miner which offers a more traditional (but still excellent, play-based) PK program.

We did another DCPS elementary for PK and really loved the program. The teachers tend to be particularly strong because most if not all DCPS PK teachers have a masters in ECE. So they tend to be very up to date on developmental issues and teaching techniques. My DC still talks about the PK4 teacher 3 years later because she was so nurturing and kind. I've heard similar from families at other DCPS PK programs, including Miner.

[Anonymous]

Rank the closer one higher. Seriously. Don’t overthink it. If you are IB for Ludlow or Brent, CHML. If you are IB for Maury or otherwise more on the eastern part of the Hill, I would rank Miner higher (CHML is harder to match at but not necessarily better). Dont underestimate how nice it is to be nearby for PreK and the benefits of meeting classmates and families who also live nearby.

[Anonymous]

CHML’s mixed aged classrooms should also be a consideration. They could be a plus or minus depending on your kid. For a shy/young PK3er, it can be a disaster and there are fewer same aged/gender peers available to “click” with (the older kids tend to already have friends and it’s harder to break in); for an older/precocious PK3er, having older kids in the classroom can be a godsend. It really depends.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:CHML’s mixed aged classrooms should also be a consideration. They could be a plus or minus depending on your kid. For a shy/young PK3er, it can be a disaster and there are fewer same aged/gender peers available to “click” with (the older kids tend to already have friends and it’s harder to break in); for an older/precocious PK3er, having older kids in the classroom can be a godsend. It really depends.

And that same older, precocious child will be bored to tears when they’re in third with a bunch of six year olds.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:CHML’s mixed aged classrooms should also be a consideration. They could be a plus or minus depending on your kid. For a shy/young PK3er, it can be a disaster and there are fewer same aged/gender peers available to “click” with (the older kids tend to already have friends and it’s harder to break in); for an older/precocious PK3er, having older kids in the classroom can be a godsend. It really depends.

And that same older, precocious child will be bored to tears when they’re in third with a bunch of six year olds.

OP's kid is only staying for pre-K.