Montessori or Great Preschool for 15mth old in NW Hills?

paulrules

We are moving up, up north to NW Hills/Far West area that is, and need a great program for our 15month old. He is in a Primrose now and while it is fantastic but looking for a more personal education.  Bi-lingual Spanish is a plus but not a requirement. We've been told Hawthorne is good and also looking at Jardin de Ninos, North Austin Montessori and International House of Children (not to be confused with pancakes apparently) but welcome additional suggestions and feedback on any of these.  Thanks so much for your help!

sillykaren

I worked at Hawthorne as a classroom assistant in the toddler room for a few months before I left for medical reasons.  The owner is wonderful and treats her staff very well.  Which in turn trickles down to the little ones.  I would definitely recommend you check them out!

lexer04

My son (24 -27mos. at the time) went to North Austin Montessori on Jollyville. He had 4 sinus infections in the three months he was there. When I would pick him up, his face would be crusted with snot. They never bothered to wipe his nose! They're expensive, require a lot of volunteer work, and nickel and dime you to death. You have to provide snacks, and every week they'd send home yet another list of items they want for the classroom.

I would say, stay away!

mwrightmomma

I'm visiting Jardin de Ninos next week. I also checked out Escuelita on 35th street, but they have a 2 year wait. I've heard great things about Jardin and I know a few people who have kids there. Right now its at the top of my list.

lexer04

I've heard great things about Jardin as well. There is also the Early Childhood Program at the Dell Jewish Community Center. They have a wait list, but their program is very highly thought of.

jillers1219

a friend of ours sent her little boy to hawthorne and swears they are the greatest. even after she gave birth to twins and started staying home with them, she didn't want to pull him out of hawthorne because he gained so much there.

astroMom

We went to Jardin de Ninos until we moved even further NW, and it is just too far now.  Right now our DS is at the Stepping Stone on McNeil.  Ms. Cathy is the BEST.  They do a little bit of ASL & Spanish with them.  I know it's not as much as an immersion program, but there wasn't an immersion program that works for our current situation.  When he is 3, we plan to move him to the int'l school/prechool, I think on Oak Knoll?