Preschools in the Area?

Updated on August 05, 2008
J.K. asks from Maple Valley, WA
4 answers

I'm looking to enroll my 3-year-old in preschool this Fall. There's just one complication, however - she already has a second grade reading level and just started doing basic math in her head (both skills she's picked up completely on her own.) That said, I'd prefer a school that has a great degree of flexibility and adaptability in its curriculum, academically speaking, though our main concern at this point really is the social aspect of her development (the majority of our friends'/neighbors'/family members' children are older than our daughter, and I've noticed of late that she has a difficult time relating to children her own age.) Your experiences and recommendations are VERY welcome; I should also note that I am completely open to the idea of a Co-op as well.

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J.D.

answers from Seattle on

Hullo

Have you considered Homeschooling? If you want your daughter in preschool because you have to work, this option would not work but if it is more a concern about her education/socialization then, even if only briefly, homeschooling might be the best option. There is a very large and supportive HS community in Maple Valley. If you are possibly interested, there is an intro to HS in Burien:

Wednesday, August 27, 6:30 ­ 8:00 pm

Introduction to Homeschooling
Burien Library, 14700 6th SW, Burien, WA

Interested in homeschooling? This is a meeting covering the basics of
homeschooling with questions to be answered at the end. Already
homeschooling but still have questions? Don¹t be bashful. Come anyway and
ask your questions. For more info contact Bruce Mohr phone: ###-###-####.
Sponsored by Burien Homeschoolers' Support Association.

Hope that helps.
J. D

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M.B.

answers from Seattle on

I don't know eactly where you are located, but we have been a part of the Kent-Meridian Coop for 3 years now, and love it! I am actually one of the Co-Chairs starting this year. I would highly recommend this program for any child, but particularly for one who needs to have more social interaction with their peers. It is our belief that children learn through play, and social interaction and development is greatly supported in our curriculum. The teachers are amazing, and the parent education instructors are absolutely invalualbe. They have helped me work through many obstacles with my 3 1/2 yer old son. Coop has also good for my family as a whole, as we have made wonderful friends. If you are interested in more info, visit www.kmcoop.org to learn more about the schedule and programs. Good luck, and get in touch if you'd like more info about our preschool. We'd love to have you!

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L.G.

answers from Seattle on

I would recommend a Montessori setting, if possible for you daughter. In a Montessori classroom children are able to learn at their own pace, so her advanced skills would not be limited by the abilities of those around her. I have a daycare and preschool in my home, but although I am Montessori trained, I am not running a FULL Montessori program right now, although I do use a lot of the Montessori Method and materials. If you are not familiar with the Montessori Method, you can quickly receive a LOT of information online by doing a search for "Montessori." I have a very brief description on my website at www.myfathersgardenpreschool.com Blessings to you and yours! :)

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N.G.

answers from Seattle on

Hi J.,
I have been in a similar situation. My daughter was in the preschool at my college last quarter and I got the feeling her teachers thought she was a little weird and they even told me at conferences that she wasn't fitting in well. Honestly, I didn't feel like I fit in very well either. We LOVE waldorf school. She went to a waldorf preschool in Tacoma and it was wonderful. Right now, I can't afford it, but we'll be moving to Olympia in December where she'll start Kindergarten. Right now she's going to a little preschool called Brown Bear Educare. They don't have a huge academic focus or anything, but I found them by chance and I really love them. They appreciate my daughter's unique sense of humor and really take special time with her to keep her interested. Also, the group of kids there is very special and sweet.

It sounds like you have a special child who might thrive in a waldorf school, if social development and acceptance is what you're looking for for your daughter. I intend to keep my daughter in waldorf school through high school if I can. There is a beautiful one in Bellevue called Three Cedars and there are two in Seattle. It's not for everyone, but it might be worth looking into.

Good luck!

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