Anonymous wrote:I'm reviving this thread because we're considering CLC for our son.

However, we're not Jewish. How much of an impact will that have. Should we look elsewhere. I don't mind DS learning about anything, I'm just not sure if he'll feel like an outcast.

We are a non-Jewish family, and don't feel like an "outcast" at all. I am so glad I chose CLC, they have really exceeded my expectations of what a preschool would be. CLC was recommended to me by a friend of mine--who also happened not to be Jewish and RAVED about CLC. I visited the school and loved it. Call and come by--see how nice and big and well-organized the rooms are, see how the teachers are with the kids, check out the library and multi-purpose room, etc. etc...

Anonymous wrote:How big is the elementary school? Any info on those grades?

And does anyone know if they provide transportation to any part of Silver Spring?

I think it only goes from K-6.

Their website is clcmd.org, and I think they had info about transportation when I looked last time.

For Fundraising, they definitely have fundraisers throughout the year though I have never found there to be much pressure to contribute. They ask everyone to contribute what you can to the annual fund but in the past, there has been no pressure to give a particular dollar amount and any contribution is always appreciated. For the elementary school, I think the transportation depends on what children would like transportation. The elementary school is small and tends to be divided into 2 classes with combined grades. I'd definitely recommend calling the school to find out more about bus transportation and the elementary school.

How big is the elementary school? Any info on those grades?

And does anyone know if they provide transportation to any part of Silver Spring?

14:28 poster again -

Since there's all these CLC parents on here, how about the Fundraising aspect? I'm completely happy to support my child's school. Just wondering if it's a super high pressure, competitive fund-raising environment?

(although, I keep seeing the word "warm", so I'm hoping it's not so high pressure?)

We are there and my understanding is that approximately 20% of the kids are not Jewish. It is an extremely warm and nurturing environment and I don't think any child would feel like an outcast because they are not Jewish.

There are non- jewish children there (I would call the school for an actually number but I am sure it varies.)
The day does follow the jewish perspective but nothing else is skimped on, meaning the secular experiences are wonderful . You do have to remember that there are alot of jewish holidays in the fall but other than that everything else is so secondary to the delightful warm feeling they will get there.

Thanks PP. I'm the 14:28 poster. (not sure why I didn't use any question marks in my post!)

We live in the area, and I have heard nothing but good things about CLC.

I have my children there and we are of mixed faith and it works well for us and we love the school!!

I'm reviving this thread because we're considering CLC for our son.

However, we're not Jewish. How much of an impact will that have. Should we look elsewhere. I don't mind DS learning about anything, I'm just not sure if he'll feel like an outcast.

Hi,
CLC is a fabulous school. I've had two kids there...one with special needs - language communication issues, the other highly gifted - early at everything. The school has been fabulous for both. Great teachers. Warm loving environment. Small classes. Lots of stuff to do to stimulate the kids - music, dance, movement, art, cooking, soccer, Karate etc. The school is like a family, and my children have thrived there. Also, they are very flexible with before care and after care - great for working families. I can't say enough about it...we love the school and it has served our needs.

I love, love, love CLC!!! It is a warm environment with wonderful teachers.

I am also very happy with CLC. My son is in preschool there. The classrooms are nice and big, his day has structure, and the teachers are wonderful. The "extras" are great--from a big multipurpose room for recreation when it is too cold/wet outside, to the music class, the nice outside playground areas--everything. They are flexible with extra hours, even if it is last minute.

I absolutely love the school. I have 2 kids there now and the teachers are very experienced, warm, and nurturing. Many have been at the school for more than 10 years. The classrooms are really big and well-stocked. It is an incredibly warm and nurturing environment. All of the teachers know my children by name and greet them in the morning. They also have great flexibility. Since the facility provides care for children from 7 a.m. until 6 p.m., they are very flexible and allow you to bring children early or keep them late as needed which has actually come in handy for unexpected appointments, etc.

I'm considering sending my kids there (2 and 4) next Fall and would love to hear feedback, both positive and negative. Thanks.