TOP Preschool

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I think OP was kidding. I mean, this has to be a joke, right?

+1.

Exactly; preschools vary widely on early childhood philosophy, and kids have vastly different needs and abilities, so TOP is in the eye of the beholder for sure. For some it is Montessori, for some Reggio, for some Waldorf, for some play school, for some a school that incorporates developmental interventions (like NCRC), for some it is a flexible schedule, for some it the longest day possible for working parents, for some it is all about outdoor time, for some it is path to sought after private, etc. So someone who seriously wanted information about the best school for their child would ask a different question.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I think OP was kidding. I mean, this has to be a joke, right?

+1.

Exactly; preschools vary widely on early childhood philosophy, and kids have vastly different needs and abilities, so TOP is in the eye of the beholder for sure. For some it is Montessori, for some Reggio, for some Waldorf, for some play school, for some a school that incorporates developmental interventions (like NCRC), for some it is a flexible schedule, for some it the longest day possible for working parents, for some it is all about outdoor time, for some it is path to sought after private, etc. So someone who seriously wanted information about the best school for their child would ask a different question.

+1 We are a St. Columba's family. Great response, spot on.

[Anonymous]

What's "GAN"? never heard of it.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I think OP was kidding. I mean, this has to be a joke, right?

+1.

Exactly; preschools vary widely on early childhood philosophy, and kids have vastly different needs and abilities, so TOP is in the eye of the beholder for sure. For some it is Montessori, for some Reggio, for some Waldorf, for some play school, for some a school that incorporates developmental interventions (like NCRC), for some it is a flexible schedule, for some it the longest day possible for working parents, for some it is all about outdoor time, for some it is path to sought after private, etc. So someone who seriously wanted information about the best school for their child would ask a different question.

I'm pretty sure that anyone who would ask such an inane question really means which school will get me into a "top" private.

[Anonymous]

How pretentious.. How about finding the best one for your child? Why not ask what we liked best about ours and what we wish ours had but didn't.

[Anonymous]

Our small co-o has had kids admitted to Sidwell, WES, BS, Redeemer, Concord Hill ... it's the kid, not the school, that gets you in to private.

[Anonymous]

That'd be our small co-op ...

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Looking for the 3 top private preschool in Washington DC.

Any suggestions?? Thanks!

This completely depends on what your end goal is from preschool. One could be just a great preschool before your child attends public school. Another goal could be that you are looking for a feeder school into your choice private school. If the latter is your goal then you need to figure out what are you top school choices then there are certain feeders into those schools. If you are looking for a Big Three school to end up at - then I would say your best choices would be NCRC, St. Columba's, Little Folks, and River School.

[Anonymous]

Bethesda Community School - if you can get in!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:That'd be our small co-op ...

+1

if you're actually focused on THE CHILD

[Anonymous]

Does anyone have data on HYP placement for each local preschool? My decision will be based solely on this stat.

[Anonymous]

There are a lot of good programs out there. To some extent, I would suggest finding a place near where you live unless you are in a position to disrupt your day with school pick ups.

Secondly, I would suggest you research philosophies to understand what approach you might like. (e.g. play based, Montessori, Reggio, etc.)

How many days per week? And, to some extent, what private schools interest you? Some have very strong ties/success with particular schools.

Thirdly, draft a short list and attend the open houses. I beileve they start hosting them in October, but you could start calling in September to get on the lists.

[Anonymous]

What is HYP? What is Gan?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:What is HYP? What is Gan?

HYP = Harvard, Yale, Princeton

This is the GAN.

http://ganhayeledpreschool.org

[Anonymous]

What about Aidan Montessori?