Should I swich my son's preschool?

Question

My 3 year old son has been attending a toddler program/preschool since he was a year and half. The school is very close to our house and I love the convenience. Most of all, my son really seems happy at school and learning a lot.

Since he's old enough to apply to other preschools this winter, I started seeking other options for his school. I applied him to this preshool which is known as 'a feeder school' to the best private school in the area. Last week we received an acceptance letter from the school. I was really excited for him, because the school is pretty difficult to get in.

Now my husband and I have to make a decision in a few days if we should switch his school. Why would we move a perfectly happy child to another school? We've heard great things about the feeder school, but it's risky because we don't know if our son will be happy there. But we really want to increase the chance of his getting into the best private school in the future. Any good advice?

Answer 1

Your son is well adjusted and happy he will settle down in no time. His future is more important in the long term than now. The decision is yours do you want him to achieve or stay where he is and lose an opportunity of a life time for many years to come. If you were happy surely you would not have applied to other better schools, my choice would be for the good of the boy in his future.

Answer 2

I don't think you should

Why would u want to do that if he is already happy at the present one.

Answer 3

I have some advice.  Slow down and reevaluate your priorities.  Why do you want your child in "the best private school?"  There is zero evidence that such schools will increase your child's happiness, earning power, etc.  Don't fall for this idea.  You will create untold stress for you and your child.

Let your child bloom where he is planted.

Answer 4

Since he is doing so well where he is, i would let him stay. He needs stability to feel secure which gives him confidence.

My daughter went to an entirely different preschool and still was accepted to an awesome private school. She was accepted because of her abilities. If your son can do the work but is denied into the private school because he didn't attend their feeder school - you may not want him attending that school anyway.

Answer 5

keep him where he is. though the feeder school might be better in the long run. moving a child can have a bad impact on their development until they settle again. and if he is happy. why move him?

Answer 6

Which is more important to you?  Your child's comfort and happiness or getting into the "best" school?  It sounds like things are working out great the way they are, so why distrupt that?  Personally, I think it's disgusting that private schools put that much pressure on little kids to be accepted (it's not college, for Pete's sake).  Your child is happy and actually likes school and is learning - sounds pretty perfect to me.

Answer 7

If you have toured the school and observed the class your son might be in and  you are 100% confident that this school fits him and his educational needs, then switch him.  Any apprehension on your part will be felt by your son and he will start to not feel confident about going to school.

Good Luck!

Answer 8

3yr olds adjusts quickly, and he will adjust fine w/out objections in his new school.   Don't wait til he's older- it will be much harder and you will get objections.

Answer 9

I think the first step would be to examine why you want him in the "best private school" and whether that truly is the best private school in your area.  Many times, the reputation comes from simply being the best in the area.  Other times, it's a valid reputation.

Visit the school for an observation.  Look at how the students interact with the teacher.  Ask to see the rest of the school.  One parent I talked to recently online was shocked when she observed what was "the best school in her area" only to see the teacher say a student could not leave class to go to the bathroom when he asked.

After you've examined the school you are looking at closely, decide what the best course of action will be.  

Matt

Answer 10

I wouldn't move him, from what you're saying I understand that he's happy and well adjusted to where he is, so why having all this trouble with the new changes? For sure he might not feel very comfy leaving all his play mates and teachers he's used to see every day...So please, don't move him... you only want the best for your son, as every parent or care giver does for their little ones, but often the best is not always the best for everyone.

Answer 11

My first reaction is if you are happy and your son is happy...why move?  However, I understand about wanting your child to transition into the primary school of your choice.  So...just wanted to add my agreement that more likely than not, your son will not be bothered by the move.  My son switched preschools and he had not a single issue.  You know your child best... can he handle the change?  Or is he extremely sensitive to change?

Answer 12

I guess my question would be - why did you apply if you didn't really want him to go there?  children are very resiliant and adapt well at a young age.  He will make new friends, have a new environment, new experiences and have a brighter future.  I say move him and count your blessings you were accepted.

Answer 13

If you've heard good things about the other preschool, and have toured it and like it, I would make the move.  Unless he's a sensitive kid, the move shouldn't faze him too much.  I am a preschool teacher, and I've had kids come in to my class and try to take over the first week!  Most of them adjust very well. On the other hand, I just got a child in December who's still not talking much--but this is only the 2nd time that's happened to me.  And this child is super sensitive and shy.

And about the school being stuffy and your son hating it, well, kids don't really hate school when they're young.  Get him in now, let him adjust to his new climate, and he should be great!

Answer 14

Kids are very adaptable at this age and your are better doing the change now rather than later in age....where he may rebel.

He will have settled down after a couple of weeks, made new friends and forgotten all about the school he last attended.

Answer 15

Which school is better suited to him?  You said he is currently in a toddler/preschool program, how do the activities they offer compare to what he could get at the other preschool.  

Also, if you took him out of the program he was in, could he easily get back in if you decided that the other preschool wasn't right?

How does your son adjust when he is around new people?  How long does it take him to warm up to them?  That will be a good indicator as to how he will do in the new school.  He will miss his friends and things like that, but he will make new ones and adjust.  If you are doing this out of love and wanting the best you can offer him, then offer him the best and if doesn't work out, go back to what does.

Answer 16

Keep him where he's at. A child that young needs to be grounded, and stay in the same spot for a while.

Plus, if he's happy- why move him?

Besides- private schools tend to be more stuffy and stuck up. Chances are, he'll hate it.

Answer 17

i say if its not broken do not fix it. if he is happy and enjoying his time leave him alone let him stay with his friends and the teachers that he knows and when he gets older like in kindergarten you can move him.