I was very much interested in The Goddard School for my son for preschool. After touring it, I found out that they want $430 a month for a 3-day, half-day preschool program! Are they serious? I'm going to be paying $130 a month or so for Horne's preschool program. I'm curious...what do people see in that place to warrent paying that much money. To top it all off, they use the child-centered approach. Basically the kid can do what they want when they want. Kindergarten teachers are going to LOVE that lack of structure. I guess, I just don't think it'll work for my kid. Is anyone sending their child there, and if so, what do you like about it?
We've always used Goddard in the past and have been very happy. They do not do a Montessori style learning approach, so I'm wondering if you misunderstood their teaching style. Our children have always had structured learning, although not quite as structured as you would find in say a first or second grade classroom. After years at Goddard schools my daughter had to go to private kindergarden because she was so far ahead of our town's kindergarten program. Now she is exceling in first grade, and doing reading and math at an advanced level. I can't say enough about how happy we've always been with Goddard. We haven't had a chance to tour the new facility, but will probably move our son there either in the fall or early next year, full-time. Their full-time daycare program, which still includes lots of teaching, is $200 a week. Although they may be more expensive than some schools in the area, I have always found Goddard to be worth the extra money. It really is an investment in your children. That being said, if you're just looking for preschool to socialize your children and prepare them for some type of classroom learning, a less expensive school will probably work every bit as well.
I just took the tour as well!! They are opening in a few weeks and will offer summer care to start. (they call it summer camp) each week has a theme etc. I was very impressed. I love the security measures and the fact that each teacher is accredited, 4 year degree for teachers, at least two years for assistants. They dont use time outs, I love that they teach sign language, Spanish, Chinese, yoga etc on a daily basis. It seems very individualized.
WOW! I just called the ask about summer day camp (for next year) and they charge $950 a month. I am speachless.
Now, I'm curious. Exactly what is the point of a high-end preschool without a nearby private school? I don't think that Johnston County has a K-12 private school, do they? And the $950/month summer camp sounds like something a Ravencroft-bound kid would go to. That's pricey.
I know several families that use Cary Academy and The Raleigh School because they work out that way so bring their kids to school, so private schools aren't that far for some, depending on which way they head in the morning.
I figured that probably those that commute that way, would have greater access to private schools, but really the only one that comes to mind that is reasonably close is Wake Christian Academy between Garner and Fuquay. There's one or two over in Wilson, but since Johnston Christian closed, not that many choices that are close by.
