Takoma Children's School vs Kids' Adventures (at TPES)

[Anonymous]

Which would you choose and why? Is TCS $600 per month better? Is KA not good for some reason (we have an acquaintance who likes it a lot). Other child will be at Takoma Park Elementary, so more convenient but I'm ok with two separate locations if it's worth it. Help!

[Anonymous]

I think they are both good. Have you also considered Takoma Park Child Development Center (TPCDC)? What I like about TPCDC is that they do a lot of fun field trips that I don't think KA or TCS does. Also - if your child at TPES does aftercare - they can do after care at TPCDC as well.

Also, TPCDC and TCS get outside a lot more than KA and will take walks around the neighborhood and to neighborhood parks. KA stays put.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I think they are both good. Have you also considered Takoma Park Child Development Center (TPCDC)? What I like about TPCDC is that they do a lot of fun field trips that I don't think KA or TCS does. Also - if your child at TPES does aftercare - they can do after care at TPCDC as well.

Also, TPCDC and TCS get outside a lot more than KA and will take walks around the neighborhood and to neighborhood parks. KA stays put.

Thanks! During our tour of KA they said they go outside or to the school gym every day for at least 1-1.5 hours every day. They didn't mention field trips though, which could be fun (maybe moreso for a 3 year old than a 2 year old).

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I think they are both good. Have you also considered Takoma Park Child Development Center (TPCDC)? What I like about TPCDC is that they do a lot of fun field trips that I don't think KA or TCS does. Also - if your child at TPES does aftercare - they can do after care at TPCDC as well.

Also, TPCDC and TCS get outside a lot more than KA and will take walks around the neighborhood and to neighborhood parks. KA stays put.

Thanks! During our tour of KA they said they go outside or to the school gym every day for at least 1-1.5 hours every day. They didn't mention field trips though, which could be fun (maybe moreso for a 3 year old than a 2 year old).

Ok. My point about TCS and TPCDC is that they visit neighborhood playgrounds in addition to their own - I just think it's more fun especially for older kids. My kids went to TPCDC from 18 months old to preK and are now at TPES. We loved it. We also know many happy families at TCS. Another factor - not sure if it's important to you - the parent communities at TPCDC and TCS are pretty tight - lots of playdates, parties, families that stay friends throughout the year. From the couple of families I know at KA there is much less of this and they miss it. TCS and TPCDC are governed by a parent-board while KA is a private company.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I think they are both good. Have you also considered Takoma Park Child Development Center (TPCDC)? What I like about TPCDC is that they do a lot of fun field trips that I don't think KA or TCS does. Also - if your child at TPES does aftercare - they can do after care at TPCDC as well.

Also, TPCDC and TCS get outside a lot more than KA and will take walks around the neighborhood and to neighborhood parks. KA stays put.

Thanks! During our tour of KA they said they go outside or to the school gym every day for at least 1-1.5 hours every day. They didn't mention field trips though, which could be fun (maybe moreso for a 3 year old than a 2 year old).

Ok. My point about TCS and TPCDC is that they visit neighborhood playgrounds in addition to their own - I just think it's more fun especially for older kids. My kids went to TPCDC from 18 months old to preK and are now at TPES. We loved it. We also know many happy families at TCS. Another factor - not sure if it's important to you - the parent communities at TPCDC and TCS are pretty tight - lots of playdates, parties, families that stay friends throughout the year. From the couple of families I know at KA there is much less of this and they miss it. TCS and TPCDC are governed by a parent-board while KA is a private company.

OP here. I see what you're saying. Thanks for the input. I'm not too concerned with the parent community because I already feel overwhelmed by the number of playdates, parties, etc we go to now! It would be nice if the kids went outside of their area, but honestly we do that ourselves too, so it's not something I require. I think I was more worried that KA might be too "strict" or not good at letting the kids be kids (despite what they say during the tour). It's a tough choice though!

[Anonymous]

More strict in what way?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:More strict in what way?

Well, TCS talks about being very child-directed and letting the kids explore and do things for themselves. I worried that a more "traditional" daycare might be more into telling kids what they should be doing at all times and not really letting them choose things for themselves at all. And also in terms of discipline, I was worried they might be more into having the kids follow directions exactly and put them in time out a lot or something. Sort of just the things you might think are associated with a more traditional school vs a more "exploratory" (?) one.

[mcjd79]

Just starting to learn about options. Do any of them offer 2-3 full days or half days only? How do the fees compare to each other for 3 year old classes? Do they all offer diversity in student body and teachers?? Have you found them welcoming to all types of families?

[Anonymous]

TCS offers 2 or 3 days/week, but full days only, no half days. They are welcoming to all kinds of families, for sure. The teachers are racially diverse, but the children are less so, although they are working on that.