Mt. Olivet Preschool

[Anonymous]

We have been offered a space at Mt. Olivet for this fall. Does anyone have any experience with this school? Do you know if the children need to be potty-trained in the 3-yo class? I'd appreciate any feedback. Thanks!

[Anonymous]

My neighbor sent her children there and loves it. I am hoping to get a spot for my son at the Parents Day Out. I almost sent my daughter there for preschool but she only was offered a 3-day spot and another preschool offered us a 5-day spot. It has a very good reputation and I would not hesitate for a second to send my child there.

Sorry can't answer the potty training question.

[Anonymous]

I agree with the pp. It is one of the most highly regarded preschools in N. Arlington. We almost got to the top of the waitlist last year for the 3 year old class and were offered a spot in the 5 year old 4s class this year, but passed it up since we have a nanny don't need our son to go 5 days. I have heard nothing but good things about it. Not sure on the potty training issue. I am sure if you called they would tell you.

[Anonymous]

Not op but wondering about 3 day four class any experiences? And no you do not have to be potty trained. I called and asked .

[Anonymous]

00:19: I don't have any personal experience with the 3 day fours class, but I've heard great things about the guy who teaches it from a friend.

[Anonymous]

Thanks! I have only heard good things about that school.

[Anonymous]

not impressed with mt. olivet....nice place, but seems like any other preschool in north arlington

[Anonymous]

Do you have a child there or are you just saying that from no experience?

[Anonymous]

I'd also be interested to know if 11:11's comments were based on personal experience with the program, or just a tour. In my experience, finding a good preschool for your child is a mixture of research, tours, and gut feeling. Some programs look great on their face, but if the teachers aren't nurturing, or it is too rigid, your child might not be happy there. I agree that Mt. Olivet's facilities don't necessarily "look" better than those of other preschools. However, the classrooms upstairs are really bright and cheery. The administration seems very friendly and forthcoming. I've heard good things about the teachers. The playground has great equipment -- probably better than most preschools that I visited. We were in a preschool last year that had a lot more "extras" than many preschools -- like music class once/week, as opposed to once/month. However, the administration was pretty reserved, and they did not notify me when my son was injured, which greatly upset me. I found out about my son's injury from someone who was not affiliated with the school, but happened to witness the accident. When I picked up my son, he was crying, and they told me that he just started crying for no reason. I understand that accidents happen, but I want to be informed. IMHO, those are the kind of things that separate a good preschool from a bad preschool. I've seen posts from parents with similar incidents at other schools, where the administration either didn't inform them, or went to lengths to protect a "biter".

[Anonymous]

16:47 I agree not to mention the fact that mt.olivet has a pretty low teacher turn over a good majority have been there four years or longer. To me the seems the teachers are happy with the way things are run and it shows in how they care for the children.
Also, they ALWAYS notify of injurys and illnesses in the classroom. They also have a listserv to keep parents informed.

16:14 are you the one who started this thread or a parent?

[Anonymous]

16:41 here. I started this thread, and accepted the spot that was offered to us. We've been to the school twice since then to drop off papers, and we're really excited about it.

[Anonymous]

11:11 poster here....i just went on a tour and the staff seem wonderful and personal; however, I had heard so much hype about the preschool that I guess when I finally went on the tour I was underimpressed with the setting. My child currently attends Kinhaven and it seemed to have the same warm friendly feeling to it, but I was just shocked at the waitlist, etc. I'm so glad you accepted the spot and are happy. Best of luck!