My son will be turning 3 in November. He has been cared for at home for most of his life and I am looking to get him into a good VPK or montessori program part-time in order to get him ready for school. We are looking in the Wesley Chapel/Land O lakes/Zephyrhills area. We had a really bad experience with KidsRKids in Land O Lakes and I was just wondering if there are any moms out there who could recommend a really good facility to me.
Not sure if this would be too far for you, but both my kids went to Family of Christ in Tampa Palms (on BBD Blvd.) and I LOVED it. Awesome teachers, great staff. My kids are kindergarten and first now, but both went there for pre-k.
Hi C.. My daughter also attends Tims Memorial Preschool in Lutz (near LOL) and we LOVE it! This is her 2nd year and we could not be happier with the teachers and the curriculum. The creativity that the teachers share is above and beyond the norm. As a parent there, it is easy to feel like part of a close knit family.
I know it is a tough decision and I wish you the best with whatever choice you make.
D.
C.,
I know of what your talking about. We sent our daughter to Kid Stuff. We love it and it's a NACEE approved school. The only one in our area with this hard to get accreditation.
Love all the teachers and you will be very please with everything they do for the kids.
Oh and by the way you can take your child there for test runs for as long as you need to see how your child likes it. I took my daughter their for 2 weeks and she loved it!
Good luck with your decisions
Tims Memorial Preschool is the warmest, most caring preschool I have ever seen. My daughter went there (she's in 3rd grade now) and now my son is in the VPK program there. This is the first year that they offered VPK but were already doing what the state required plus more! I would have sent my son there even if I had to pay for it! It's in Lutz on Sunset just east of 41. Good luck with your search.
There were a few I found which I really liked.
Countryside Montessori at 41 and 54 (behind Wendy's).
Garden Montessori opens in October on Boyette. Kid's Stuff on Lake Floyd Dr.
The two which have been open are NAEC accredited and have great programs.
Oh I wish I could help we are in Town N Country. I can relate with my middle daughter we did VPK for the first time and in 2weeks they forgot her outside once and then couldn't find her another time (She was sitting in the wrong chair)
I would really check out some of the private schools NOT Day Cares.
Good Luck
C. - I understand the hardship of trying to find a good school/daycare. My sons have been to many different schools - everything from LaPetite to Primrose. I finally found a school that I love and I could not believe the progress my almost 5 year old made the minute he came over to this school. His birthday is at the end of Sept. so he misses the Kindergarten cut-off. He started a year ago (just shy of being 4)and within 6 months they had him reading!!! I couldn't believe it! While they are all about fun, they are all about discipline, getting them ready for large groups (like real kindergarten), and learning. His two teachers - Ms. Angela & Ms. Jackie are amazing!!! My 2 1/2 year old is progressing VERY well there too!!
The name of the school is Kiddie Campus University. It is on US 41 in Lutz - just north of the Florida/Nebraska fork. Ms. Gina is the director/owner.
