Seeking an Excellent Preschool in Stamford

My vote is for Our Lady of Grace on Glenbrook Rd. They have a 3's, 4's and Kindergarten program. My daughter went through the 4's program last year and my son is in the 4's this year. It is a really great program, taught by very loving Italian nuns. They work with them on letters, numbers, concepts...everything. Plus for working parents, they have great hours = 7:30-->5. They do have a 1/2 day program as well but our kids always went a full day.

D.

Hi T.,
An online Moms group (CT-Moms) just had a HUGE discussion about this and everyone contributed their experiences with 2's and 3's and preschool programs in Stamford. It was very insightful and informative! I wouldn't be able to repeat it all here, but you're welcome to search our message archives at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/CT-moms/
Basically, you are completely right to begin looking early - slots fill up the year before enrollment! The Holly Pond school at the Darien YMCA is fabulous, so is Landmark Academy in Westport and the Montessori school in Wilton (if you're into their philosophy). The Long Ridge School in Stamford is BY far my personal favorite and where my daughter is going, but very pricey ($10K/year) but there are so many more options - just depends on the environment and structure you want her in! Please feel free to join that group and look at all 80+ of those Mommies feelings on preschool! Good Luck!!
M.

Hi,

Check out the First Presbyterian Church Nursery School on Bedford Street in Stamford. Ask for a tour during school hours and be sure to visit Mrs. Merrell's 3 year old class. They are wonderful! Karen Wenz is the director and the phone number is ###-###-####.

Hi T.,

I sent both my kids to New Canaan Nature Center in New Canaan. We lived in Norwalk when they started but later moved to Weston which is about a 30 minute drive. Depending on where you live in Stamford (how far from 106) it might not be that big of a drive. I LOVED this pre-school and searched for awhile before settling on it. The thing that got me is that the kids got outside every day for a nature walk - unless the weather was really crazy - too windy or below 20. The whole educational environment is based on nature which gave the kids a unique perspective on their role in this world. It is not hard core academics - no reading and math, but they do practice their letters, colors, etc. My kids were very well prepared for Kindergarten. Good luck on your search!

Hi T.,
A great preschool in Stamford is the Italian Center Nursery School.It has a great academic programs and many activities during the day. The children have dance and swim. They have an extended day program and you can choose how many days you want your daughter to attend

Hi T.,

I live in Stamford too. My daughter went to Brookdale Nursery School & loved it. I chose this one since it was the same one that I attended for preschool. I felt that my daughter learned so much there & is really doing great in Kindergarten. The school is in the bottom of a church, has a playground & is in North Stamford. I really feel she received a great education there as well as having enough time to play & just be a kid. They do offer quite a few options regarding days to attend as well as 1/2 day to "full day" (which is 3pm). If you are a full time working parent it may prove difficult timewise. Also, it does follow the Stamford Public School calendar so whenever there is a vacation, snowday or delay, Brookdale has one as well.
I do have friends whose daughter goes to the Italian Center for preschool. They are very happy with the program. I unfortunately do not know enough about it to elaborate but wanted to give that info as well.

Best of luck finding a school,
H. M