The Children’s School

We love our school! My son and daughter have both attended TCS, and it has been a great experience.
The teacher quality is the most important feature of TCS. The teachers are so caring and thoughtful — to the kids and to the parents as well! Kids are never shamed for their behavior. Teachers work with all of the kids to learn how to be kind, be respectful, have fun, and enjoy learning.
One great asset of the school is a very low student: teacher ratio. My son has had difficulty with school, but he thrived with the gentle attention and guidance at TCS. There is always an extra teacher around to help out whenever a problem arises.
Another thing that has been great for our family has been the flexibility of the day at TCS. You register for a 2.5 hour day, but you can add a 1.5 hour lunch ad hoc (we usually do them all!). Furthermore, Trettin Drop-​in Preschool is in the same building, and the schools will walk kids between preschools, so that you can really have as much time on a given day as you need.
TCS is a hidden gem! I think this is partially because their website leaves a lot to be desired, which is a turn-​off for techie parents like me. But I highly recommend that you check them out despite all that. You’ll be glad that you did!

This school is amazing. The staff here are so great. They really get kids. They listen to them and talk to them and truly understand them. They guide them through play and discovering in a wonderfully kind and intuitive manner. My son is ahead of the game both emotionally and physically because of them. We were new here when we found TCS and coming from a horrific preschool experience. This school turned it all around for us and made all the difference. This is a true gem and you’ll be so very happy you found them. I have never come across such a caring and kind staff that truly love what they do and enjoy doing it every day. I cried when it was time to say goodbye, this school just made me so happy!

This preschool is a hidden treasure. A lot of people don’t know it even exists, which is sad because it is truly a quality preschool. The staff are tireless, caring, empathetic, and also very well-​educated. The tuition is VERY reasonable, especially considering the quality of the teachers. The student-​teacher ratios are amazing, and each child gets lots of individual attention.
My daughter just completed the 3 – 4 year old class and has thrived socially and academically (while there is academic focus, it is age-​appropriate and child-​centered. There is still lots of play). She will start the Pre-​K program next year which is geared towards kindergarten prep. They do many fun projects (building robots!) and go on field trips too.
They also have a «pre-​3» program for the youngest set (2 and 3 year olds) which eases your child into a preschool setting. My youngest will be starting that next year and I think she will thrive there.
Some other tidbits: they have a «lunch bunch» program where kids from the different age group classes can mingle and interact. So you get both the benefits of a focused group in a small class with kids the same age as your child, and also opportunities for your child to interact with kids of many ages.
Also, at least for the pre-​3 class for sure, they do NOT require potty training. This seems rare in the pre-​school world and should not be taken for granted. Trying to force a child to potty train usually backfires and the staff understand that so there is no pressure. They will also assist your child in whatever stage of potty training they happen to be in. I’m not sure what the policies for the other aged-​classes are but the teachers are always very flexible in general so I doubt it would ever be a problem.
In the same building (it is a church building but TCS is a secular school who rents space) is another preschool called Trettin Drop-​In Preschool (also secular). TCS has a relationship with Trettin in that if you need extra childcare the teachers will either pick up or drop off your child at Trettin so you can have more flexibility in the schedule if need be. It is very convenient (Trettin is great too, you can read reviews on Unilocal).
One final thing to mention is that if your child has a younger sibling who falls asleep in the car someone will bring your older child out to your car so you don’t have to wake your kiddo up! That is above and beyond in my opinion.
If you are looking for a new preschool do not hesitate to check TCS out. We have been extremely happy with them.

The Children’s School is Amazing. The staff is very loving and has made my children’s experience with preschool the very best it can be. My son was super shy to begin with his first year but with his second year he is becoming such an outgoing kid and I know it’s because of his school enviorment. He loves all his teachers as did my daughter. The teacher student ratio is great too. The montessori based curriculam is wonderful and it teaches them how to share and also how to play alone! I would highly recommend this preschool to everyone!

I cannot say enough good things about this preschool. I recommend them to everyone I know. My child is in the Pre-​K afternoon class and it has been such a great thing for our family. We love the Montessori approach, and the sense of community that we feel from the parent’s and teacher’s at the school. We regularly help out in the classroom and for parties and have gotten to know the other parents at the school– who have been so welcoming and regularly invite us to outings, childcare swaps, etc. I know from experience that the staff at this school truly care about the children and are not in it for any other reason. They made it possible for us to attend when we would not have been able to otherwise. I will always be thankful to the Children’s School for their generosity. My daughter loves her preschool and asks every day when it will be time to go!

I had my daughter in two different preschools, and the Children’s school is the clear winner for me. The teachers are easy to talk to and love the children they take care of. There are always interesting, creative activities for the children and my girl talks about it all the time when home. Not sterile at all!

Definitely not for our family but have heard many good reviews from other families. Housed in the University Congregational Church, this is one of 3 nursery schools operating here. The Childrens School takes kids ages 2 – 5 in separate AND mixed-​age rooms. Very teacher dependent on what kind of experience you have. The class my son was in was very montessorian and the teaching method a bit sterile. I prefer lots of warm fuzzies and this had little to none. With that said, I know other classrooms are full of fun and games… just not the one we were placed in. Oh well. Price is definitely right and the parent make-​up very supportive.