Reston Childrens' Center v. Sunset Hills Montessori?

[Anonymous]

My 20 month old daughter is currently part time at Reston Childrens' Center and we like it a lot so far. But our plan had been from the beginning to send her to Sunset Hills Montessori and we couldn't because they had no space/their fall admissions didn't line up for her age at the time. Though we have registered her there for the fall, so we have a spot. But now that RCC is doing sign ups for next year I'm thinking I might have made a mistake.

My daughter likes the RCC and it seems more relaxed and homey. The RCC is also a coop which I think is nice and it's been around for 50 years. They also cook all food in their own kitchen which is great. But I've heard such good things about montessori schools, and I do know one or two people who send their kids to Sunset Hills and they love it too.

I keep going between montessori is too academic and RCC isn't academic enough.

I haven't been able to find any real recent feedback on either place - other than "I love it" or someone I know loves it.

Does any one have any detailed feedback on either place?

[Anonymous]

Aware this is an old post; but wondering what you decided (as we're in a similar situation now).

[Anonymous]

We looked at both, and ultimately chose Common Ground instead. (I suggest looking at Robert E Simon as well.)

We found Sunset Hills to not be especially welcome, and we did not like the rigidity of the Montessori approach.

Honestly, at 20 months, you don't want academics. You want play-based.

[Anonymous]

PP here. Grr typo. "not be especially welcoming".

[Anonymous]

RCC, Simon Center and Common Ground have the best reputations as far as daycares go. Winwood also has a good reputation.