Hi - I'm looking for an outstanding preschool for my 4 year old. I have her in a very good one now, clean and loving, but she is bored there. She is very advanced and needs a place where either they focus on creativity and interesting play, or a place where the academics are tailored to the child's level. It seems to me like the better preschools have a focus on academics, which is fine except that they are well below my daughter's level and I'm concerned it's not giving her a positive feeling about school. For example, she can already read and where she is now they are doing the letter of the week. I'm not a mom who needs for her to be in college at age 6, but if they are doing academics I want them to be appropriate for her. Or, like I said, I don't mind if there aren't any if the play is interesting and gives her a lot of socialization. I have checked Greenwood Montessori (great place but didn't want the religious aspect) and Warwick Montessori (didn't like that for different reasons although I thought their program was the best I've seen). I'm not stuck on Montessori - anything that's clean, loving and STIMULATING would be great. It's the stimulating piece I keep missing.
Based on what you've written, it sounds as if Montesorri is the best bet for your daughter. She needs to be learning at her own pace, learning what she wants, which is the focus of Montesorri (as you know). I am a public school teacher, and the students I have had who came from a Montesorri background are better learners than those who went to a "traditional" preschool. I wish you luck.
I would also check out Pumpkin Patch. They seemed great but they usually have a waiting list. I have also heard great things about Learning Brooke. You might also want to try Precious Angels in Warwick. I checked it out and liked it for the most part. My friend's mother is the owner and everything sounded great about it, but when we went to visit they don't let you in the rooms to watch the kids. I checked out over 8 schools when I was looking, and in my opinion, if they don't let you in there to watch the kids and teachers interact, it seems like they are hiding something. Maybe not but I just didn't like that. Good luck!
I have checked out Learning Brooke on Pontaic ave in cran and they seemed awesome. not sure if there is a waiting list still. also is pumpkin patch they have waiting lists too but it does not hurt to check for your dd age. Also, there is a new one called gingerbread house in cranston on park ave not open yet. i checked out learning brooke and pumpkin patch and was impressed. I was going to send her to daycare but ended up staying home w/her. good luck.
I would recommend pumpkin patch my son was at learning brooke yes it is a great place for free play academically no, also there is not much for the children to play with i felt this place although looks great, there was not much going on in the classrooms, however so much more at pumpkin patch. the learning is endless i love it.
