Looking for preschools?

Question

My husband is applying to jobs in Chicago, Dallas, and Manhattan for the 2009 school year. My older daughter will be 4 when we move, and my younger one will be two. I know that some programs have waitlists, so once we've honed in on where it looks like he will be employed i will start applying. I just don't know where to start. We are looking for a school that works individually with children in an environment that kids look forward to. Any suggestions?

Answer 1

If you're looking for the top-tier PreK programs in Manhattan, you're likely too late. You shudda started looking in 2005. They take returning students and alums first.  Those with the longest wait lists are the best.  Expect a 10:1 ratio of applicants to admitted at the best private PreK and Kindergarten. It will astonish you.

Start your research tomorrow morning. Use Google, then the phone. Yahoo Answers is gonna give you general answers, not the specifics you need.  And you won't be able to rely on word-of-mouth because the best schools are very competitive and other parents don't want your little Sally competing with their little Johnny, so they won't willingly tell you.

For example, had you said you were coming to my area, I wouldn't have answered your question. Again, because you might be competition.

Answer 2

Check with the elementary schools, churches, and social service agencies in the area you are relocating to.  Many areas have Pre-K funded through the schools now so be sure you ask about that for your older daughter.  Also don't over look Head Start.  They often have excellent programs and sometimes accept over-income families for a variety of reasons.