Current NCRC parents

[Anonymous]

Can you comment on whether the school is worth the hefty price tag, particularly for the PreK classes? I heard they expanded enrollment in the last few years — does it feel crowded, chaotic, or less personal with so many kids in that relatively small building? Thanks.

[Anonymous]

Not a current parent but that of recent alums. The preK program is fantastic, better than those at the top privates. I have one child who did preK at a much sought-after private, and another who did it at NCRC. So in my opinion, worth the price tag. It never felt chaotic and was always very personal. Teachers are great and so is the community. If you want your child to go on to other private schools, they really guide you through the application process.

But, during our time there, it did start to seel like it was getting crowded, with common spaces shrinking to increase classroom space. In the pandemic they have been able to stay open but I hear from friends who are still there that they have divided up the classrooms to make room for smaller pods. The admissions team is great though and will help answer more questions about the recent status of operating.

[Anonymous]

We are current parents. It is true that they have divided some of the preschool classrooms to accommodate the need for smaller sizes. We are new to the school this year so can't comment on expanded enrollment, but can say that the parent community hasn't been super welcoming to a new family during the pandemic, though the school staff have tried their best. As to the early-childhood education -- it's absolutely stellar and as a family whose older child attended a different preschool we are so impressed with NCRC - they really, truly understand ECE and the school have a very whole-child, play-based approach to preschool. We wish we had sent our older child here as well, though, fwiw, they are thriving despite having a less-than-great preschool, so there's that too.

As for the price-tag - you should apply for financial aid. You never know what you might get.

[Anonymous]

What was so stellar about the preschool education? (I’m just curious... a lot of other preschools indicate they are play-based as well). I’m just trying to see where things are distinguishable from other preschools. Thank you!