pre-k schools recommendation
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Anonymous
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Hi! My son is turning 3 in January, and we are moving to the DC area from Europe in the spring. Due to travel restrictions it would be hard for us to visit any schools at this point. I've looked at some schools' website and scheduled a few virtual visits. But since I'm not very familiar with the education system in the US, I wonder if anyone could recommend a few good pre-k schools to look at.
Right now we are considering woods academy and crestview montesorri school. Are there any other good pre-k schools in the area? Thank you very much in advance! |
Anonymous
| In DC proper, do the DCPS lottery for pre-K. |
Anonymous
| Decide where you are living first. Then look for school. |
Anonymous
Thank you for the suggestion! We are considering Bethesda and Potomac. |
Anonymous
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Hands down, NCRC (National Child Research Center) in Northwest DC is one of the best preschools in the area (if not the best).
Best of the luck with the move! |
Anonymous
| In DC or surrounding areas? |
Anonymous
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This will depend greatly on your desired school approach. Woods Academy is great but is Montessori until 1st grade. The other school you mentioned is also Montessori, is this your preference? I am not familiar with other Montessori schools but in the Potomac area I really liked Potomac Glen Day School and the Harbor School.
Good luck with your move!! |
Anonymous
If you are looking in the Bethesda and Potomac area, then Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) starts kindergarten for kids who have turned 5 by September 1. There was, and still might be, an exception for kids turning 5 by October 15 so long you child goes through an assessment and there's room at the school. I mention that because if you are looking for pre-K only, you'll have a ton more options if you are looking for a pre-school versus a private school (e.g., prek-3, prek-5, etc.) that starts in pre-k. And you are looking only for 2 years. It's all personal preference, but we really liked our local elementary school and our DC had an amazing kindergarten teacher. Plus, by starting K in the local ES, you get to meet a lot of local families and your child will have friends in the neighborhood. If are you looking for pre-K only, and expect to move to the local ES for kindergarten, then I'd base it on location and then quality. It's hard to really screw up pre-K. The kids are playing and napping, and learning how to use the toilet. |
Anonymous
| The British International School of Washington has a wonderful early education and primary program. They have a large international community (lots of diplomats, etc.), so they should be able to help you. |
Anonymous
| If you’re moving to Bethesda/Potomac, some of these suggestions in DC are too far. Not many miles but traffic can be brutal heading into the city. Take a look at Norwood school in Bethesda, it’s a PreK-8th grade independent elementary school with great, creative teachers and a nice large campus. |
Anonymous
| Any experience with the pre-k program at Norwood or lowell? |
Anonymous
| If you speak French, Rochambeau (French immersion) is an option. The maternelle is in Bethesda. |
Anonymous
Agree! I visited a number of preschools and was struck by what a special place NCRC is. And our DC, who entered NCRC with developmental delays, has progressed tremendously and loves going to school. We've also been impressed by how they've managed COVID this year. Highly recommend but agree with others that you should figure out where you'll be living first. There are a number of great preschools throughout the DC area; there's no need for a long commute. |
Anonymous
| I saw from Crestview's website that they have only one teacher with 15 kids admitted. Would this be a problem? |
Anonymous
| Concord Hill or Primary Day are good options, depending where in Bethesda you end up. |