Top Ten Preschools?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:"glorified playgroup" - apparently you have not done much research on the play-based approach to early childhood education. Why push academic on little kids, they will get that in kindergarten - it is good to have them explore learning while young so they can develop a lifelong curiosity and love of learning. Some people seek out play-based schools, including myself... and I love the results in my child. You might as well lump SfF into the same breath as Little folks, as it is proud to be playbased.

I agree. And you can add St. John's to wonderful play-based schools too. You can lump it together with SfF and Little Folks. All great schools.

[Anonymous]

There seems to be a very active Georgetown contingent on these threads, which is why I suspect that the g'town and dupont preschools get so. much. coverage. here. Maybe N. Arlington too, since the g'town schools would be convenient to them.

I am not knocking that! I bet these same 3 schools (and the playgroups) are indeed wonderful.

But as a result, I also think that a newcomer to town who is reading these boards would rightfully think that there are only 3-4 preschools in DC that are (a) excellent (b) coveted / hot and (c) worth applying to.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:"glorified playgroup" - apparently you have not done much research on the play-based approach to early childhood education. Why push academic on little kids, they will get that in kindergarten - it is good to have them explore learning while young so they can develop a lifelong curiosity and love of learning. Some people seek out play-based schools, including myself... and I love the results in my child. You might as well lump SfF into the same breath as Little folks, as it is proud to be playbased.

Believe me, I have done plenty of research. Any preschool where the AD touts the "coffee hour" for the Moms after dropoff as a critical component of the school, and in the same breath says that parents should not expect their children to learn to read at the preschool, is not, in my humble opinion, worthy of my children. If you prefer to socialize with other G'Town moms who need moral support, be my guest. But don't claim to have some empirical evidence supporting your decision to send a child to "play-based approach to early childhood education". If you have such data, post it. Otherwise, forgive me for being a little skeptical.

[Anonymous]

The coffee hour programs have included a presentation by the teachers on new techniques and theories learned at the naeyc conference, a panel on independent schools to consider after Little Folks, a presentation and discussion on disaster preparedness at the school, and more. And yes, they do also offer another opportunity to meet the other parents at the school. Part of building a strong community.

There's an awful lot of evidence-based data that shows that young children learn best through hands-on experience and play. But since you asked for empirical evidence (though the word can mean evidence-based, it is usually used to refer to observation-based), here it is: my kids are happy, well-adjusted, and eager learners who love school.

So the school that's worthy of your kids has less play and more academics- fine. And you are welcome to be skeptical. I was too. But play-based does not equal lack of coherent approach. The LF director takes and incorporates aspects of all different types of curricula in her strategy. She has always provided an evidence-based rationale for every new strategy or approach I've seen them use.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:"glorified playgroup" - apparently you have not done much research on the play-based approach to early childhood education. Why push academic on little kids, they will get that in kindergarten - it is good to have them explore learning while young so they can develop a lifelong curiosity and love of learning. Some people seek out play-based schools, including myself... and I love the results in my child. You might as well lump SfF into the same breath as Little folks, as it is proud to be playbased.

Believe me, I have done plenty of research. Any preschool where the AD touts the "coffee hour" for the Moms after dropoff as a critical component of the school, and in the same breath says that parents should not expect their children to learn to read at the preschool, is not, in my humble opinion, worthy of my children. If you prefer to socialize with other G'Town moms who need moral support, be my guest. But don't claim to have some empirical evidence supporting your decision to send a child to "play-based approach to early childhood education". If you have such data, post it. Otherwise, forgive me for being a little skeptical.

New poster here (with no attachment to Little Folks), and I don't think anyone on here wants to convince you that play-based pre-school is right for your child. But it's right for many children. And it's worth noting that there are far more play-based pre-schools in this area than academic schools. So I'm not sure why you're singling out Little Folks for such ridicule, but it sounds to me like you have a an ax to grind. Regardless, play-based is one great option. Montessori and other academic schools are another great option. What's right for each family is going to depend on that individual family's needs.

[Anonymous]

Our play-based school - School for Friends uses the Creative Curriculum as a guide. Most of the parents work full time so we do not have parent lunches/coffee hours, but there are ways for families to get to know eachother... also, some kids do learn to read in pre-K, the ones that want to and show curiosity are encourages. Kids interested more in are are encouraged to explore more that way, etc... there are no flash cards, work sheets, or rote memorization techniques involved in how the kids are taught.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:"glorified playgroup" - apparently you have not done much research on the play-based approach to early childhood education. Why push academic on little kids, they will get that in kindergarten - it is good to have them explore learning while young so they can develop a lifelong curiosity and love of learning. Some people seek out play-based schools, including myself... and I love the results in my child. You might as well lump SfF into the same breath as Little folks, as it is proud to be playbased.

Believe me, I have done plenty of research. Any preschool where the AD touts the "coffee hour" for the Moms after dropoff as a critical component of the school, and in the same breath says that parents should not expect their children to learn to read at the preschool, is not, in my humble opinion, worthy of my children. If you prefer to socialize with other G'Town moms who need moral support, be my guest. But don't claim to have some empirical evidence supporting your decision to send a child to "play-based approach to early childhood education". If you have such data, post it. Otherwise, forgive me for being a little skeptical.

New poster here (with no attachment to Little Folks), and I don't think anyone on here wants to convince you that play-based pre-school is right for your child. But it's right for many children. And it's worth noting that there are far more play-based pre-schools in this area than academic schools. So I'm not sure why you're singling out Little Folks for such ridicule, but it sounds to me like you have a an ax to grind. Regardless, play-based is one great option. Montessori and other academic schools are another great option. What's right for each family is going to depend on that individual family's needs.

Actually, I think its those mothers who send their kids to Little Folks (or otherwise have it up on their shrine of Top Ten Preschools) awho are in need of being persuaded that Little Folks is right for their children.... They're the ones who can't seem to tolerate a post that criticizes Little Folks. Why is it that people on this post feel so insecure about their choices, and have to venomously defend it? It's supposed to be a post to exchange ideas, and I am perfectly entitled to air my belief after actually having attended the open house of not only Little Folks but many other preschools this season. It's the PP who ranked Little Folks along with St. Patricks and the River School who has yet to explain her rationale ....

[Anonymous]

Of course you can air your belief. We attended a lot of open houses (and talked to a lot of parents) too, and happen to have come to a different conclusion. We chose Little Folks over River School and over St. John's for a number of reasons. But they are all good schools so all deserve to be mentioned here.

[Anonymous]

15:50 I hardly think those speaking up for Little Folks are venomously defending it, maybe vehemently. Their posts were thoughtful and helpful. Many people defend their school choices on this forum for many reasons.

[Anonymous]

You can't rank the top preschools overall because it is so indepently based on your child and your needs. DC has many fabulous preschools many of which have been mentioned-some kids do better in montessori, some in play-based, some in more structured enviroments so you really can't rank. Let's stop being catty over preschools.

[Anonymous]

Our DC goes to Little Folks and loves it, as do we. I have found the teachers to be uniformly loving, engaging, intelligent, and supportive. We looked at many preschools, and decided that Little Folks was the best fit for our child and family. I'm not sure what the PP's issue was with the morning parent coffees. They occur about once per month, are a nice way to touch base with other parents, and often include speakers or panels relevant to parenting preschoolers. I have never felt pressure to attend, but have always felt them to be informative and a nice way to help build the community. And the timing after drop off is actually quite convenient for me or my husband. We'd much rather consolidate preschool drop off with a function than have to carve out evening or weekend time. Perhaps this may not work as well for people in other jobs, but it seems to work well for the Little Folks community. I would guess that about half of the parents at the coffees head off to work after our get togethers.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:"glorified playgroup" - apparently you have not done much research on the play-based approach to early childhood education. Why push academic on little kids, they will get that in kindergarten - it is good to have them explore learning while young so they can develop a lifelong curiosity and love of learning. Some people seek out play-based schools, including myself... and I love the results in my child. You might as well lump SfF into the same breath as Little folks, as it is proud to be playbased.

Believe me, I have done plenty of research. Any preschool where the AD touts the "coffee hour" for the Moms after dropoff as a critical component of the school, and in the same breath says that parents should not expect their children to learn to read at the preschool, is not, in my humble opinion, worthy of my children. If you prefer to socialize with other G'Town moms who need moral support, be my guest. But don't claim to have some empirical evidence supporting your decision to send a child to "play-based approach to early childhood education". If you have such data, post it. Otherwise, forgive me for being a little skeptical.

New poster here (with no attachment to Little Folks), and I don't think anyone on here wants to convince you that play-based pre-school is right for your child. But it's right for many children. And it's worth noting that there are far more play-based pre-schools in this area than academic schools. So I'm not sure why you're singling out Little Folks for such ridicule, but it sounds to me like you have a an ax to grind. Regardless, play-based is one great option. Montessori and other academic schools are another great option. What's right for each family is going to depend on that individual family's needs.

Actually, I think its those mothers who send their kids to Little Folks (or otherwise have it up on their shrine of Top Ten Preschools) awho are in need of being persuaded that Little Folks is right for their children.... They're the ones who can't seem to tolerate a post that criticizes Little Folks. Why is it that people on this post feel so insecure about their choices, and have to venomously defend it? It's supposed to be a post to exchange ideas, and I am perfectly entitled to air my belief after actually having attended the open house of not only Little Folks but many other preschools this season. It's the PP who ranked Little Folks along with St. Patricks and the River School who has yet to explain her rationale ....

Oh, so you attended an open house at Little Folks. And the open houses of some other schools, too? Your expertise on all things DC-preschool is duly noted. Tell us about the school you chose and how your child likes it.

[Anonymous]

I agree that someone who attended an open house does not have quite the rich information set of a parent whose child attended Little Folks. I had a child who went to Little Folks, and thus of course I also attended the open house. I was not really impressed at the open house. I thought Gay was a little hoity toity, and felt she acted as if she had the monopoly on childhood education. But my son went on the playdate and had to be dragged out of there he had so much fun. We were rejected from two preschools (School for Friends, and NCRC) but were accepted to Little Folks. My son had a wonderful time there and certainly developed a curiosity for learning and a love of school, which is all I think I could hope to expect from a school. I felt my first impression of Gay was not really accurate. She really was quite caring and I don't feel that she felt superior to other educators or that her school had a necessarily superior pedagogy.

I couldn't possibly say what are the top ten preschools (I would need at least nine other children, all attending different preschools, to even begin a comparison). I can say I liked Little Folks, Joan and Marta especially, and my son was adored and nurtured and loved while he was there.

[Anonymous]

You guys are funny. I feel like "Don't hit my kids" and "use non-toxic paints" were my rules. My kids will spend the rest of their lives duking it out in schools...I want my kids to play and share and learn to be in a group. More valuable than academics. Try asking all the people that have to work with smart assholes. They could have used a wee bit of group time rather then being groomed to be YET another smart ivy-leaguer. No offense to ivies. But offense to all of you who are taking this ALL to seriously. Find the school where you can "see" your kid and listen to your gut. And it always okay to change your mind...which is something a lot of posters don't seem to know.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:You guys are funny. I feel like "Don't hit my kids" and "use non-toxic paints" were my rules. My kids will spend the rest of their lives duking it out in schools...I want my kids to play and share and learn to be in a group. More valuable than academics. Try asking all the people that have to work with smart assholes. They could have used a wee bit of group time rather then being groomed to be YET another smart ivy-leaguer. No offense to ivies. But offense to all of you who are taking this ALL to seriously. Find the school where you can "see" your kid and listen to your gut. And it always okay to change your mind...which is something a lot of posters don't seem to know.

thank goodness you pointed that out to us. 'We guys' really appreciate it. Good luck with your low-threshold rules for life.

...hey, weren't you at the McCain rally last week?