Are there ANY play-based kindergartens around?

[Anonymous]

My kids WERE at CHDS. The early childhood program was not wonderful and it was not creative. The teachers lacked experience, there was no administrative overshight, and my children, and yes, even other children in those classrooms were not thriving and they hated going to school. The families were not welcoming and the two-person administration didn't know our family at all. You should consider yourself lucky that you had complicated reasons for not sending your children there. We didn't and we made a very big expensive mistake. Instead of doing the AD's bidding, please promote your own school instead.

[Anonymous]

Had high hopes for Burgundy Farm being that 'play-based' school. Maybe it was a staged open house, but I saw the usual--kids sitting too long in circle time, teachers in K showing off the best written work in the class, Everyday Math (which I hate) and worksheets/workbooks. Oh well, back to the drawing board. (Unless someone has more insight into this school and could counter this)

[Anonymous]

I don't know what goes on at school at Burgundy but many kids I've taken care of have gone there and the homework is pretty public school (spelling lists, math worksheets). If I was paying the big bucks, I would expect something different in terms of homework than you can get for free in any public school.

[Anonymous]

So, cross Burgundy off. Any other suggestions? Still ISO play-based K's. Or maybe I'm just dreaming.

[Anonymous]

Maybe you should try Lowell. It has lots of play and doesn't have spelling lists, until 1st grade. I think anywhere you go except maybe Waldorf, kindergarten has a significant academic component including work on learning how to read and some simple math skills.

[Anonymous]

Two of my kids have been through the kindergarten program at Burgundy (recently). I kept both kids in a co-op preschool through age 5 where the half-day 5's program could be used as JK or K. I'd suggest that as a possibility, especially if your child is on the young side already. The extra time to do housekeeping, play blocks, and all the rest is precious! On the other hand, I would say -- with apologies to the poster whose experience at the Open House felt disappointing -- that I have also really appreciated the kindergarten approach at Burgundy. The kids are most definitely not doing worksheets or rote memorization all day. There's still a housekeeping area, blocks, Lego loft, and plenty of time to muck around in the sandbox, but yes, they do start to learn that a story has a beginning, middle, and end, work on counting the days in the school year, and other beginning academic skills. There's lots of emphasis on how things get done though, and not as much on product as may happen in more traditional settings. The teachers are infinitely patient about creating a caring classroom community, and getting to know each child and his/her needs. The kids also get to move a lot, play outside often, and explore. They have a lot of time to be kids.

Spelling lists don't start until first grade. Yes, there is homework starting in first grade, including some worksheets, but the kids do not sit around doing worksheets all day. They send those home to help reinforce a skill that they probably sang songs about, acted out, discovered through investigation, or somehow explored creatively throughout the day. There are plenty of parents, even at Burgundy, who equate homework with rigor and Burgundy teachers try to address that, while also maintaining appropriate expectations for children. I would not pay $20k a year for worksheets, either, believe me. That is simply not what happens there all day.

To the poster who didn't like the visit, it's possible that the school isn't right for you or your child. I would suggest that you chat with other parents with kids who attend Burgundy to get other viewpoints, if you're willing to give it another shot. It sounds like your philosophy of education is in line with the school's and they really value that. Good luck wherever you end up!

[Anonymous]

14:13 - Green Acres is worth a look. The website is antiquated so you will need to actually visit to get a good idea.

[Anonymous]

Is all the criticism of CHDS on this website coming from one disgruntled parent? My child has been at CHDS for six years now -- her Pre-K teachers probably had 60 years of experience between the two of them. Older kids I know who've been through the school still talk about those early years with fondness and say that's where they learned to love school. Almost every parent I know who has been associated with Capitol Hill Day School has loved it and it's only getting better with the new director.