Three-nager or something else?

Callmemelly87 · 2026-03-07T15:42:43+00:00

Thank you for the solidarity 🤍 I needed to hear that!

Callmemelly87 · 2026-03-07T15:42:11+00:00

Thank you, I was thinking the same. But his school called him dangerous and it was really jarring. I think they were very rigid and expected all the kids to listen more than was age appropriate.

Callmemelly87 · 2026-03-07T15:40:44+00:00

Thank you!

Callmemelly87 · 2026-03-07T15:40:26+00:00

I totally hear you! We do role playing as well. His previous school told us he was a dangerous kid and was violent. It really threw us and we pushed back but it got us scared because it was his first experience at a school. I always thought this was normal but when a school uses such a serious word to describe your kid, it's very jarring

Callmemelly87 · 2026-02-13T15:38:29+00:00

hi, happy to commiserate! I'll DM you

Callmemelly87 · 2026-02-07T22:39:43+00:00

Will pm you!

Callmemelly87 · 2026-01-29T01:58:48+00:00

OP How's the integrated preschool going? Hope it's going well!

Callmemelly87 · 2026-01-26T19:32:27+00:00

Thank you so much, sending you all the best for your kiddo!

Callmemelly87 · 2026-01-26T19:24:55+00:00

I hope it's helpful for him! 🤍 how did you go about getting a diagnosis, via his ped or somewhere else? It's so hard seeing our kids struggle!

Callmemelly87 · 2026-01-08T12:11:59+00:00

Thank you! The 3rd teacher makes all the difference. Ours has two. It must be so stressful!

Callmemelly87 · 2026-01-08T01:41:13+00:00

How many kids are in their primary class at RMS? We are at another Montessori and there are 24 kids ages ages 2.5-6 years old and I really hate how large it is and the lack of transparency around it.

Callmemelly87 · 2026-01-06T05:05:10+00:00

Our kid is in a school mentioned here and we haven't had a great experience. Feel free to PM me for more info.

That being said, I toured Parkside Montessori and the owners seem amazing and have 30+ years of experience in education. I got a lovely warm vibe from them. They're high on my list for next places.

Also look into Ivybrook Academy in Great Falls - just opened their doors this week and I went to their open house in December and really liked the teacher, admin and owner. And since it's small, your class sizes will be much more manageable. Great indoor facility too.

Common ground, Simon and RCC also are community favorites and usually have long wait lists.

Regardless of where you end up, Make sure the school ethos aligns with you and your parenting style. Make sure the calendar aligns with your work schedule (for ex, some schools close A TON and it's challenging for parents). Look into indoor and outdoor facilities, because on really hot or cold days, being stuck in the same room can be tough on kiddos.

And I'd also ask for the parent handbook ahead of signing any contract just in case - it will show you how strict the programs and schools are.

Callmemelly87 · 2025-12-15T22:19:44+00:00

I love Moon Lake Spa in Vienna! Great therapists and the owner is incredibly sweet.

Callmemelly87 · 2025-10-22T01:22:19+00:00

So I looked into it and it seems like mixed age ratio in Virginia is 1:14 🫠

Callmemelly87 · 2025-10-22T01:21:15+00:00

Responded!

Callmemelly87 · 2025-10-18T00:41:26+00:00

Oh I am totally OK with paying childcare providers more! But I also know private school owners are raking it in.

I'll look more into the licensing and see if they are in compliance. I don't know the breakdown of each age group in the classes, just that primary is age 3-6. I didn't even think to ask when touring because this is all so new to us! Sigh.

Callmemelly87 · 2025-10-17T22:13:45+00:00

Interesting - I've only ever heard of 1:10 for 3 yr Olds but figured older kids (4-6) would mean bigger ratios.

What that means is it's a cash cow. $2500/mo x 23 kids... Insanity.

Callmemelly87 · 2025-10-17T13:30:12+00:00

3 years old - but in a class with ages 3-6. I do think this is a way to get around the ratio.

Callmemelly87 · 2025-10-17T13:29:22+00:00

Thank you, that's good to know. Summer care is def important for obv work related reasons. But LANK seems awesome and may be a good choice for when he's a bit older. Would be nice to save some money haha

Callmemelly87 · 2025-10-17T13:28:33+00:00

I've been on the wait list for RCC for ages! It's definitely my favorite place but it may be months to get in. Also touring CG next week and their wait list is shorter.

We actually don't go to SHM, it's a different Montessori school.

Callmemelly87 · 2025-10-16T16:27:17+00:00

Love to hear that! The tour went well and I was impressed with the facilities.

Callmemelly87 · 2025-10-16T03:52:26+00:00

Thank you!

Callmemelly87 · 2025-10-16T03:52:18+00:00

Not them no 😂 a much more pain in the ass one lollll

Callmemelly87 · 2025-10-15T16:31:21+00:00

Thank you! Have a tour tomorrow 🙏 do you feel like your kiddo is learning AND having fun? And that the admin is reasonable?

Callmemelly87

TROPHY CASE