Recent experiences with St Joseph's Preschool in Falls Church?

[Anonymous]

My daughter was at the school for 2 years and my son is currently in the 2s room. The school definitely has a play based centers approach to child development which is what drew me to it (that and the huge playground !). The kids have 2 circle times a day but the vast majority of their time is spent exploring their world...painting, building, pretend play, etc. Math skills are learned by measuring while baking, playing games where the kids line up shortest to tallest or by birthday, etc. There are no workbooks or paper and pencil structured learning if that is what you are looking for.

That being said my daughter knew how to take turns, walk in a line, follow directions, sit during circle time....which is really what she needed entering K. She also is reading above grade level and is pulled for math enrichment......

Yes the school is loud and can be a little crazy (as my son came home covered green today from playing in colored shaving cream) but overall I have always been happy with the care my kids have been given and my daughter was more than ready for K.

[Anonymous]

Thanks for the great feedback... it is very helpful! Glad your kids are happy there.

[Anonymous]

Overall we've been very happy with the school. To validate what you said, the director can be prickly and can get defensive more quickly than I think is reasonable. I think she's put a lot of time and effort and energy into improving the school, and as a result is sensitive and seems to take questions or suggestions often times as personal criticisms or failings. The school continues to improve under her leadership, though, and our child loves being there and is learning a lot, so DH and I just focus our attention on her and her classroom.

The teachers themselves are all very loving and engaged. Our family has been at St Joe's for almost 2yrs and DD continues to grow and learn.

[Anonymous]

Bumping this thread because I'd love to hear from current families. Is the Director the same - C. P.?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Bumping this thread because I'd love to hear from current families. Is the Director the same - C. P.?

Our family is no longer there so I can't answer questions about how the school year is going, but can confirm the director is the same.

[Anonymous]

This is our first year and we love it(as does our child-younger classes). I'm happy that we chose St. Joseph's thus far, we have had other experiences elsewhere that were fine as well but this place just worked better for our needs. Warm, caring, and attentive staff and what seems to be a nice group of parents. You are correct with the director.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:This is our first year and we love it(as does our child-younger classes). I'm happy that we chose St. Joseph's thus far, we have had other experiences elsewhere that were fine as well but this place just worked better for our needs. Warm, caring, and attentive staff and what seems to be a nice group of parents. You are correct with the director.

NP here - curious about the religious aspect? How is that incorporated into the curriculum?

[Anonymous]

I can only speak for the youngest 2 classes. They go to the chapel 1X perweek for 30 min. They sing songs and say a prayer.
SO far this year, school put on Thanksgiving and Christmas special presentations. They sang holiday songs and recite some poems. 1 or 2 are religious in nature. I do not find the religious aspect overwhelming.