St. Albans Early Childhood Center

[Anonymous]

Anyone have any thoughts on this pre-school/daycare. Any thoughts from parents whose kids have gone on to a private school would be appreciated. I know that it is not a "feeder" to Beauvoir (despite being so so close), but I am just curious.

Thanks,

[Anonymous]

Well, we applied 1.5 years ago to enter this September, and they haven't bothered to notify us that we didn't get accepted so I'm not really impressed by their administration.

[Anonymous]

lol! We applied almost 2 years ago and we have yet to hear from them!!!

[Anonymous]

Current SAECC parent here, this post is to reply to the two PPs. The school/daycare (whatever you want to call it) does not an admission system like the other pre-schools around town. They take new students off a waiting list for the incoming class (2 year olds). I hear that it takes two years to get off the list, but know on good authority that "sweaky wheels" get off much faster. The key here is for you to call them.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Current SAECC parent here, this post is to reply to the two PPs. The school/daycare (whatever you want to call it) does not an admission system like the other pre-schools around town. They take new students off a waiting list for the incoming class (2 year olds). I hear that it takes two years to get off the list, but know on good authority that "sweaky wheels" get off much faster. The key here is for you to call them.

is it daycare or a preschool?

[Anonymous]

st. albans has a preschool curriculum in the mornings and then has lunch/nap or rest/play in the afternoon. so it's a preschool with an extended day.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Anyone have any thoughts on this pre-school/daycare. Any thoughts from parents whose kids have gone on to a private school would be appreciated. I know that it is not a "feeder" to Beauvoir (despite being so so close), but I am just curious.

Thanks,

I was surprised to read this is not a "feeder" to the big B. Do they at least place a few each year?

[Anonymous]

Can't really comment on the "feeder" question, but they do send a few students to Beauvior each year.

[Anonymous]

Although they are not considered a feeder school they have a cooperative relationship with Beauvoir and many of their children get accepted. Just so you know, no school can guarantee your child's acceptance into another program. There is an admissions process in which all parents must follow.

Also as it relates to the admissions process most schools do not call you until you are admitted. The process involves submitting the application, receiving confirmation and waiting for enrollment. Hence "wait list."

It's a small yet popular program (55 children) with a waitlist of 155.

That is not an administrative flaw to have an extensive wait list. Rather it's a testament to the quality of the program to be so well sought.

[Anonymous]

excellent program. prepares children for elementary schools. great staff. great director. wonderful grounds. worthwhile experience. very happy parents and child.

[Anonymous]

I applied and never heard back either!! Glad to hear it wasn't just me.

[Anonymous]

If you stay on them, they will give you good information about your status on the waiting list. They fully admit you are more likely to be admitted if you show this kind of interest.

That being said, we turned down a spot this year because they seemed highly administratively disorganized and I thought the director was a disaster. She spent the entire tour talking about herself, why she'd taken the job, and how nicely it meshed with her long term career goals. Do I care? She also mispronounced Maret while trying to brag about outplacements, which I thought was hilarious but elicited some serious eye rolling among the other parents. None of this, of course, speaks to the quality of the program.

[Anonymous]

After hearing that, I think it would be best for me to look elsewhere.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:If you stay on them, they will give you good information about your status on the waiting list. They fully admit you are more likely to be admitted if you show this kind of interest.

That being said, we turned down a spot this year because they seemed highly administratively disorganized and I thought the director was a disaster. She spent the entire tour talking about herself, why she'd taken the job, and how nicely it meshed with her long term career goals. Do I care? She also mispronounced Maret while trying to brag about outplacements, which I thought was hilarious but elicited some serious eye rolling among the other parents. None of this, of course, speaks to the quality of the program.

[Anonymous]

I have had a good experience at St. Albans ECC and found the staff to be very professional and nurturing.