Need Quality Kindergarten/quality School Advice

Check out www.greatschools.net. This may get you started in your search for a private school. Some listings even have parent reviews about the school. I can totally understand your concerns, as my son will also be entering Kindergarten in the fall. Fortunately, the public school he is attending is a good one (I've done the research and personally visited the school, which is what I'm sure you'll want to do too.) Just remember that a huge part of any child's success in school is the parental involvement. You are obviously a caring mom who has a vested interest in the future of your son. That alone will help to keep him on the right track.

Safety is a concern of every loving parent. We can't be with our children every minute of every day; my suggestion to you regarding this issue is simple- do what you can to provide a safe environment for your child and leave the rest to God! Pray for his safety and overall well-being! Yes, it's sad and a little scary to know that there are so many sex-offenders in your neighborhood, but at least you KNOW who they are and where they live. Lots of children are around sex offenders everyday and we don't know it and that's even scarier, in my opinion. Good luck and know that you are not alone in your concerns!

Hi A.,
I know you are looking for a non-denominational private school but my child attends St. Martin's in-the-Field Day School in Severna Park. They are Episcopal and offer a spiritual foundation without being overly religious and nearly 60% of the students are actually Catholic and one is even Jewish. Kindergarten has hands on math and reading as part of their curriculium. The tuition is some of the most affordable in the area. There is an open house tomorrow from 9:00-1:00pm and they are located in Severna Park on Benfield Rd not far from 97. You can also set up tours to view the school. ###-###-####

I would suggest that you look into the Catholic Schools, because they offer the environment that you want, but they respect the religious/non-religious beliefs of the child. They also show and teach respect for the individual, which is hard to find in a reasonably priced school. My Hindu friend sent her sons through the Catholic schools and had no problems because of religion. Also, Friends School in Baltimore is run by the Quakers, but do not teach religion. They also show and teach respect for the individual. That school is pretty expensive, I have heard.

If you are dead set on a non-sectarian school, then see if there is a Montesori school near you. They also are expensive.

I can understand your desire to send your son to a quality school, and the Baltimore City Schools are struggling with poorer quality facilities and teachers. The extreme problems that the city schools are facing will not be solved in a few years. You will not find a reasonably priced school that is not run by a religious group easily.

I'm not familiar with that part of the city but if you're in city lines here's a few schools you should look into. If you're looking for next fall you may have missed most dates since these are mostly lottery public charter schools-

1) Midtown Academy
2) The Green School
3) City Neighbors
4) Southwest Baltimore Charter School
5) New Song Academy

Some private schools-
The Park School
Roland Park
The Friends School

Good luck and be persistent!
J.