J.T. asks from Tampa, FL on October 07, 2008
Pre-K Programs in New Tampa
I’ve been looking into VPK programs in my area (only looking into schools that are a couple miles North and South of I-75 that accept vouchers) for my daughter, who will be attending 3 hours next Sept (I started now because the early registration for most places is January). I wondered if any mamas out there have an opinion on the centers I’ve been looking in to.
I’ve heard St James is good - been told by a few people that the center is “very loving and nurturing”, but they don’t really focus on scholastic activities. My little girl is bright and thrives on learning new things, so I think she’d be bored, learning about basic shapes and colors, when she can already do simple math, and knows dimensional and multi-sided shapes and a myriad of colors beyond the basics.
I’ve also heard good things about the Lutheran Church of Christ – but don’t know anything past that it’s a great place.
I met with the Director at La Petit Academy, and their center seems really good as well – a lot of learning and Scholastic based, which is good because that’s what is taught in K.
Out of these 3 schools, what is your specific experience with them? Good? Bad? Any other school within this area that I don’t know about? I'm open to anything - I just want my daugher to have fun, learn and be happy! As always, thanks for all your help!
J.
More Answers
B.R. answers from Tampa on October 09, 2008
Both of my kids attended Family of Christ on BBD for preschool. They are in K and 1st now, and are FAR ahead of the other kids in their class. I would completely recommend FoC to anyone.
K.F. answers from Tampa on October 08, 2008
Hi! I don't know any info on the other two, but my boys (also born in March 2005) currently go to St. James and we love it. As you said- very loving and nurturing- and they have learned quite a bit last year and so far this year in the preschool. A friend had her daughter in a Montessori school, but switched her to St. James for VPK this year. It was a hard decision for her, but she couldn't see continuing to pay for Montessori. She is a very bright little girl and my friend is very happy with her decision. If you are interested, I could always get your info to give to her and she could contact you to discusss any questions you have... just let me know.
K. :)
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N.D. answers from Tampa on October 09, 2008
Whatever you do, don't take her to Kids R Kids in Meadow Pointe.
S.V. answers from Tampa on October 08, 2008
St. James is good - but I agree that they are not focused on academics (my daughter went there several years ago) My 3 year old is currently at Bright Horizons - Hunters Green. I like it however, I do not know what school district you are in, but I have signed my son up for the pre-K at Hunter's Green Elem. for next year. It is excellent and will get him used to a full day schedule - he is ready for that. Several of my children's teachers have their kids going there and they are very happy with it.
M.P. answers from Tampa on October 08, 2008
My daughter attends Family of Christ on BBD. She loves it. She is learning how to write her name, sound out letters to help with spelling etc. I do not think Pre-K/VPK is about learning everything you need scholastically for Kindergarten. I think that it is to help the kids learn how a classroom works, listening to a teacher, waiting your turn etc. My daughter loves her school and is already learning how to spell/read. I think finding a school that is nurturing and one that develops a love for learning is the important part. My daughter's teacher used to teach elementary school and runs her classroom exactly like a Kindergarten room. Good luck!! I cannot say enough for Family of Christ.
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