Feedback on Mclean Children's Academy

[Anonymous]

We are thinking about sending our 4 year old daughter in the Fall and would like any feedback. Good, bad or indifferent - it is all greatly appreciated!

Thanks!

[Anonymous]

That was our backup choice for preschool, but we didn't end up going there as we got in another place. I thought it was pretty ok - seemed kinda crowded and the kids came and went through the day - they said they had this massive schedule to keep the kids schedules straight. It sounded very flexible which was nice, but I wondered about the consistency for the kids. I didn't like the playground material - it was made of tires and black and ugly. The administrators seemed nice, I was wondering about the drop-off traffic for parents/parking, but I'm not sure how bad it is.

[Anonymous]

our daughter has been there for a year and we love it. Our neighbor had recommended it and almost everyone who was in my daughter's 3-year old class is back for this year. i anticipate that we will be sending our sons when they become old enough.

[Anonymous]

Thanks. Not the OP, but we are going to this school's open house in November. What appeals to us is the flexibility since we do not yet know how many days per week we'd like (or can manage logistically with drop off and pick off) our child to be in preschool.

[Anonymous]

My friend's family runs this school--Barbara Touchton is the director/owner. I can vouch that this is a very well run school that the Touchton family has put a ton of effort in creating a great nurturing/educational environment. They also run Clifton Children's academy that probably has a better campus. Apart from the smaller environment in Mclean-this is a top notch school.

[Anonymous]

We are in our second year there and love it. The current Program Director, who also teaches the 4's class, is phenomenal - draws out each and every kid, communicates extensively with parents, and seems like she was born for the job. We like the challenging (but fun) curriculum for our child who absolutely loves learning. This was one of the few non-Montessori, non-play-based options I found. Many families are dual-career, which makes the long days very convenient. Nonetheless, schedules are very flexible, and families of 3's and 4's can chose a schedule that suits their needs (2 mornings, 5 full days, 3 afternoons, etc.). Finally I like that there's no fundraising at the school. Families are asked to contribute to food drives and collections for needy children, but there's no fundraising done at all for the school.

[Anonymous]

PP here. As for the concern about consistency among students, I actually think the flexible schedules prevents kids from always playing with the same group of friends. In my child's class, there is a lot of mixing and kids seem to be comfortable playing with any number of other children.

[Anonymous]

Bump

[Anonymous]

We're thinking of enrolling our 3.5 year old son for the fall. Thanks for this thread.

[Anonymous]

Dont recommend this school. That flexible schedule will work against your child if they go part time. If they go full time, it might be a great place though.

[Anonymous]

Is that the place that will pick up your child from school for aftercare? If so, that is a great service.