Evanston Pre Schools

Hi D.!

Our 3yr old will be attending SLC starting in the fall, based on the recommendations of TONS of my friends. When we first moved here, we put my middle son into pre-K at the YMCA (NU people get a discount, so it seemed the best way to go). I think the administration and activities there are great, but frankly I got the feeling that the teachers didn't like my son (who is generally beloved by teachers, parents, kids, etc. --- he's like a friendly puppy dog). He loved the swimming and gym activities, and I will say he came out with a 'portfolio' of work from throughout the year that really showed academics... but I never felt comfortable with his teachers.

In talking with other parents, the moms of kids who were new to the program all felt the same way -- the head teacher showed massive favoritism towards the kids who had been there the year before. I think they've since replaced both of those teachers, but it left a bad taste in my mouth.

I can't say I know Chiaravalle that well but we live a block away and my nanny has taken two of our sons to play at the playground during the day for years... she says the teachers there are warm and friendly and the kids all seem very happy. I would have applied there but frankly it's out of our price range (shame....).

Benjy will be in the TWR afternoon 3s at SLC (we're on the waiting list for MWF mornings), so maybe I'll see you there next year!

I grew up in Evanston, worked in the Evanston preschool systems. I know personally staff from SLC and I would trust my child with them. I also know Cherry has a great program, and I attended NLU when Baker was still a part of it and it was awesome also! So you have to basically choose between 3 really good schools. Take your child for visits, and based off of interactions decide. I think any of the three would be great for your child! Good luck!

We had the most fabulous experience with School for Little Children. Both my daughters did their pre-k there and I can't say enough how warm and loving the staff and teachers are. Great environment. My girls, now 11 and 8 still talk about going to school there and that they want to go back and visit! Hope this helps.

All 3 of my kids went to School for Little Children. We were very happy with the school in all respects. Having said that, Cherry has a very good reputation also. (With Cherry I think expect more parental involvement... that can be good or bad). If you want to make sure your kids gets outside if it is at all possible check out Unity Preschool on RIdge - I liked it for that reason, but didn't like the small basement rooms.

I know SLC has a two year old program b/c my daughter did it. Great school!

We love School for Little Children and know many who love Cherry. I thought Cherry was a little less flexible, had more rules, etc. Personally I didn't like that as much, but it's still a great program. People also like Total Child and the YMCA actually has a terrific program with lots of gym/swim activities that are great for kids as they get older. Really, I haven't heard of a bad program. It just depends on your needs and what you can get into. I'm pretty sure you're getting close to missing deadlines for all these schools for next fall. Give the few you're interested in a call and see. It's competitive because there are so many that want to get in just a few spots. Good luck. I think you'll be happy wherever you end up.

Chiaravalle Montessori School is great! My girls went there for 3-5 years respectively and it was super. We are at another Montessori School now CMS was the best!