Model School or St. John's?
I'm wondering if someone can provide some insight about the sizes and cohesiveness of the daycare and preschool classes at the Model School. I've read wonderful things about it but would like to know if current parents feel that there is a true cohort of students or whether the flexibility of hours/schedules has an impact on this. Our kids attend centers now where the same kids are present each day for the same schedule and I think it contributes to their sense of security and friendships. If anyone has thoughts on their experience, I'd appreciate hearing.
We are also looking into St. John's in Berkeley for daycare and preschool -- if anyone has current recommendations/thoughts on this school, I'd appreciate it (those posted on BPN seem to be a couple of years old).
Thank you!
Parent Replies
Both our boys are currently at the Model School, actually in the same class, PK (though our almost 3 year old started in the toddler class in June). They are both very happy as are we. Our kids go 3 days a week for 25 hours and i wondered about cohesiveness too but it seems like most of the kids are there every day and because the school accepts babies 3 months and up many kids have been there since then and there is a real cohesiveness. Actually the parents are really active too and there is a lot of bonding with the families so its a great place. The same 4 teachers are in each classroom every day as well so there is stability. Our 4 year old started right at 3 and is now quite comfortable there and our 2 almost 3 year old had some adapting to do after being in a nanny share since 6 months but is now well adapted.
You really cannot go wrong with the Model School. Fantastic community, fantastic committed staff, extremely flexible scheduling.
In regards to families on different schedules, the core time that the kids are there allows them to get to know each other. We definitely got to know the families who picked up at a similar time that our family did, but many families hang around on the playground to socialize after picking up their children, which gives parents a chance to get to know each other. There are also family events and volunteer activities (it is a co-op that encourages family involvement in work days and parent's meetings and volunteering in the classroom), and these provide opportunities for parents to get to know each other. My daughter is a couple years out of the Model School, but the friendships we made there remain some of our most valued family friendships, and I will always think of the girls my daughter got to know in preschool as "her girls."
So much gratitude for this wonderful school and wonderful community.