I am new to the area of Oviedo/Winter Springs. I am looking for an aforable Preschool for my 3 year old daughter. I have a 2 and 1 year old aswell but think we can only afford to send the 3 year old at this time.. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. I have heard of the Lutheran school, New Covanent Preschool and the Baptist Church in Oviedo.. Has anyone had any experience with any of them or other good ones? Thanks so much.
M.,
I haven't sent my daughter (she is only 3 months) but I know soooo many people that just love St. Lukes in Oviedo. That is where my husband and I attend services on Sunday but I know so many people that rave about the preschool. Hope that helps!
My kids have all went to Willow Creek Preschool in Winter Springs. They have a Moms Day Out for 2 year olds, and 3 year old classes and 4 year old vpk. The teachers are great, the director is awesome. The school website is www.willowcreekchurch.org and look for the link to the preschool. I think it has pricing on the site. I have also heard great things about First Babtist Oviedo PS and St. Lukes.
Hi M.,
One of my officemates with a 3 year old recommended the Kinder Care in Winter Springs (approx. at Red Bug & Tuskawilla Rds.)when I needed to switch her from a school in Winter Park due to a job change . I was hesitant because I always envisioned Kinder Care as this big, uncaring corporate entity, but I've found just the opposite - the director, Melissa White, is very responsive, and my daughter's teachers (Naomi is 2) are wonderful, and she's very happy. I didn't check out church-related schools because I'm not Christian and was uncomfortable with the idea. But I have also heard good things about Cambridge Prep in Winter Springs, and StarChild Academy in Oviedo, but I think they are both more expensive. I pay $120 a week for a 2 year old (3 yr olds might be a little cheaper) for 3 days per week. I think it quite a bit cheaper if you do 3 1/2 days.
Good luck!
I'd heard good things about St Lukes in the past, but I know someone who used to work there who switched to a new school and said others left, too-- I don't know if there was a new director or what happened, but if you check out that school be sure to ask about the turn over rate and how long the current staff has been there.
Are you looking for just part time? Tuskawilla Methodist (Casselberry)and Aloma Methodist (Winter Park) are great for 9ish to 1ish if you are looking for just a few hours a day.
I agree with Jill. Both my sons, now 8 and 5, attended Willow Creek and loved it. The director Sandy and her assistant Sarah are the best and I've loved all the teachers my boys have had. Hours are 9-1 with early drop off available at 8:30 and stay n play available until 2:30 on Tues/Thurs (I used this 1/wk at the end of their 4 yr class to help get ready for the long kindergarten day).
I have friends who also love Tuscawilla Presbyterian (TPS) on Aloma. I toured Oviedo Baptist, New Covenant, TPS and Willow Creek and picked the one that felt best to me. Just go with the place that makes you feel most welcome. I think they all have great reputations - just go with your gut. Also, it they're full, get on the waiting list if they have one. People move so spaces open up.
Hi M.,
I attend New Covenant and my 4yr old son will be attending their preschool next year. The one thing I can say about the church itself (and it's members are the teachers) is that you will not meet a nicer, more genuine bunch of people. As far as the preschool goes, they scored very high in their state testing and the children are just plain happy to be there. Cindy is the church secretary and Susan is the Preschool Director...they'd be happy to give you a tour. I'm sure you've seen their website. Best to you with this decision, it can be nerve wracking:)
~Suzanne
