Norbeck Montessori...New, shall we say "older," mom could sure use some advice

[Anonymous]

Wow, when I went to pre-school, my own mother told me she signed me up, dropped me off, and that was that...okay so that was over forty years ago and times have really changed. First time mom here, worried like nuts about this all of a sudden and seeking advice.

DS will be 3 next Fall, we're thinking he'll be more than ready for the challenge and stimulation, and I've researched the subject until I am thoroughly confused. I would really appreciate any insight and experience any one has had with Norbeck Montessori, the staff, how their child/ren liked (or not) the school/program, and any other thoughts you might be kind enough to share.

If not Norbeck, any other programs in the Gaithersburg, Rockville, Potomac area you could highly recommend for a very bright and sweet little boy?

[Anonymous]

I toured Norbeck a couple weeks ago and was impressed with the program. The people I met giving the tour seemed like they would be great teachers - very warm and personable. The space seemed nice - big, bright and very engaging. Plus, they seem to have fun extras (like cute parties. I think the lady giving the tour mentioned having a presidential inaugural party one year. I thought that was great). Basically - I got the vibe that you probably couldn't go wrong at Norbeck. But then again, what do I know. I only took a tour

Another school I liked was Geneva Day school. Out of all the traditional pre-schools I saw (ie - not montessori), their program seemed most academically challenging (and I mean that in a very good way! Challenging, but the kids could still have fun with it!). They just seemed to do stuff that no other pre-school I've toured mentioned doing. Such as going to an Indian Temple, drawing the temple and talking with a priest. When I took my tour, I peeked into a 3 yo room and the art teacher was there with a color wheel teaching the kids about colors. Since your son will be 3 in the Fall, they handle the 2 yo program in a way I think you would like (in case you are worried about sending your son to a two year old program which he most likely will go to).

That said, I plan to enroll my daughter at Rockville Presbyterian Co-Op for next year. I got the best vibe from them the minute I stepped foot into the building. The teachers seem to be warm, the classrooms are bright and stimulating, they have wonderful activities with the kids (interesting things they do in the classroom, parties, field trips). They seem to strike a very nice balance between academics and play. I just hope my impression is right as I don't see many people talking about them and I wonder why! Is it because it's a co-op?

Not to stress you out even more, but you might want to hurry and tour these places/send in applications as they are already filled/will become filled very soon.

[Anonymous]

I cannot thank you enough for taking the time to respond. I will look into the other schools you mentioned as well and perhaps someday we'll be side-by-side. sitting in amazement at how well our little ones are doing, ever so glad we found the right fit.