Feedback needed! Creative Play School (N. Howard) and Children's International School (S. Quaker)

[Anonymous]

We've just taken a tour of both of these facilities and generally have very positive feelings about both but also the kind of observational concerns that may end up not translating into any problems in my son's actual experience. For instance, the classroom and playground at CIS seemed a bit small (I felt a little claustrophobic, but maybe it's not a big deal if you're their size ) and the teachers at CPS were less credentialed and had less time-in than the teachers at CIS. I'd love to hear any thoughts you have that can help us make a decision! Thanks!

[Anonymous]

I'd be interested in this, too!

[Anonymous]

When I toured CIS in Alexandria, I was disappointed to see how dingy the facilities are in addition to the small outdoor play area. I realize that's not the most important factor in choosing a preschool, but I'd have a hard time sending my child to a place that immediately depressed me upon first impression.

That aside, I'd love to hear any feedback from parents on their experiences there.

[Anonymous]

We were at CIS n Scott and just left to be closer to home (and regretting it, thinking about going back!).

I have heard AMAZING things about the director and school at CIS Alexandria - as in if it were closer to our house, i would try to go there.

[Anonymous]

Bump

[Anonymous]

Our child started at CIS this year and is really thriving. They have a printed monthly schedule/curriculum and he is learning quite a bit. The learning seems to be mostly about socialization, which I think is very important. When we first started, I was concerned that the school wasn't "academic" enough, but I was wrong. They learn through play and I am constantly amazed by some if the things coming out of his mouth. He gets upset on days when there is no school.

The outside play area is small, but this fall the school offered soccer lessons (during the school day and for an extra fee) in a field that is walkable just behind the parking lot.
They have a lot of extra activities that I've been surprised about like weekly yoga, a day with the Great Zucchini, field trip to a pumpkin patch, class pictures, holiday performance and cookie exchange, weekly music class.

The director really is fantastic and most of the staff has been there for a while. The staff also seems relatively happy which means more than any credentials to me. I feel like a happy staff will have more patience with kids.

On the downside, I think the class size is a bit large. They have enough classroom teachers and aides, but I think the number of kids in my DC's class is overwhelming for him at times.

The smell of Rocklands BBQ does linger in the air some days but not everyday.

The food choices are not great for my finicky eater. He's lost weight based on his will to not eat anything he deems yucky. They print a monthly menu is at least you know what to expect each day.

Long review, but I wrote things I didn't learn during the school visit. Overall, I think it's been great for DC. He loves going to CIS and I'm happy he's so happy.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Our child started at CIS this year and is really thriving. They have a printed monthly schedule/curriculum and he is learning quite a bit. The learning seems to be mostly about socialization, which I think is very important. When we first started, I was concerned that the school wasn't "academic" enough, but I was wrong. They learn through play and I am constantly amazed by some if the things coming out of his mouth. He gets upset on days when there is no school.

The outside play area is small, but this fall the school offered soccer lessons (during the school day and for an extra fee) in a field that is walkable just behind the parking lot.
They have a lot of extra activities that I've been surprised about like weekly yoga, a day with the Great Zucchini, field trip to a pumpkin patch, class pictures, holiday performance and cookie exchange, weekly music class.

The director really is fantastic and most of the staff has been there for a while. The staff also seems relatively happy which means more than any credentials to me. I feel like a happy staff will have more patience with kids.

On the downside, I think the class size is a bit large. They have enough classroom teachers and aides, but I think the number of kids in my DC's class is overwhelming for him at times.

The smell of Rocklands BBQ does linger in the air some days but not everyday.

The food choices are not great for my finicky eater. He's lost weight based on his will to not eat anything he deems yucky. They print a monthly menu is at least you know what to expect each day.

Long review, but I wrote things I didn't learn during the school visit. Overall, I think it's been great for DC. He loves going to CIS and I'm happy he's so happy.

Our child also started at CIS this year and we LOVE it. Yes, the school has an old, worn feeling to it (and sometimes my child comes home smelling like BBQ), but the teachers, activities, and the awesome director more than make up for it. In fact, our child had transferred from a daycare that was brand new -- big, bright, shiny -- but the director was checked out, the teachers/aides were in heavy rotation, and the food menu was mostly crap, processed foods. I didn't realize how rich DC's daycare experience could be until we started CIS.

[Anonymous]

These replies have been so helpful. Any other feedback on CIS Alexandria?

[Anonymous]

We've been a CIS family for five years (oldest now in public elementary and youngest still in pre-k there).

I love it. The director is great, really organized and on-top-of things. Communication has improved over the past two years now that the director has embraced email. There are some lovely, fantastic teachers (the young 2s and the 4s being my favorites). Great combination of play and curriculum, with a couple outside instructors (Mr. B is a favorite for weekly music class). My oldest was more than prepared for kindergarten. Wonderful, down-to-earth families.

Just a great little school! Don't let the small playground fool you. They also make the most of the quirky location (nursing students do rotations there, trick-or-treating at the retirement home, field trip to the flag store, etc.). I also find the cost of the program for this area to be fairly reasonable.

[Anonymous]

My son goes to CIS in Alexandria and loves it. You can tell the teachers really make an effort to connect with the kids. I agree with what the other parents have posted about the program being wonderful.

[Anonymous]

CIS Alexandria is wonderful! Two of our children have been there over the last three years. They are both thriving and learning so much. I have been so impressed with the Director and all of the teachers. All of the families are also wonderful!

[Anonymous]

NP - Does anyone have any feedback on Creative Play School?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:NP - Does anyone have any feedback on Creative Play School?

My son goes to Creative Play School on N. Howard. He has not been there very long but so far we love it! It's a very nice community of families, and there is a warmness that we like. The director is wonderful and we like the teachers. I will say it was a bit awkward when we first visited the class with our son and I felt a little unsure of whether we were making the right choice. We are happy now and think it was the right move. Only downside: the driveway up the hill is AWFUL!

[Anonymous]

OP here! Our little guy is scheduled to start at CIS soon, and a quick google search for information to confirm our decision turned up this post with all of this great feedback that I missed! Thanks so much!