DC/preschool dilemma (long).

ateytelb · July 2011

J. has been going full-time to a YMCA DC/preschool. The cost is about $1500/moths. Food and swimming classes included (though he hasn't made a lot of progress on swimming). They follow the "learn through play" system and not that great academically. J. is happy there.

J. has also been taking a Russian class on Sundays. The Russian school is opening a full-time DC/preschool for the first time this September. The cost: $950/month. Food and enrichment classes (Russian, math, art, music, chess) included if he goes there full-time.

Starting this Sept we will keep J. at the Y three days and send him to the Russian school for two days/week. If it goes well we will switch him to Russian school full-time. We will lose quite a lot of money with this system b/c the enrichment classes at the Russian school are only free if the child goes there full-time (otherwise you pay extra). Plus, part-time tuition vs. time spent is higher in both schools.

I am also a little concerned about him going to two different schools at the same time. Am I doing this right, or should I just switch him to Russian school right away b/c of lower tuition/better program?

heatherglen814 · July 2011

If you've already checked out the Russian school and feel really comfortable there, I would go ahead and switch him. He gets the full enrichment you want for him, plus it's cheaper and sounds better all around. I think going back and forth may tire him out and would get to be extremely costly which is probably not worth it.

JenniferTCU · July 2011

I think I'd go with the Russian school altogether. Sounds like a great program- how exciting for J!

Sassystace · July 2011

I agree that switching him back and forth can be confusing for the child and make it a more difficult adjustment. I would just choose the new school and stick with it full time. Maybe the first week you could do a short week at the Russian school to slowly let him get him used to the new place, but switching back and forth doesn't really seem ideal nor financially logical.

Strunella · July 2011

I'd go with the Russian school full-time too. It sounds like a win-win in all of the important areas.

BrideBuddies · July 2011

Seems like a no brainer.. Russian School sounds better all around, plus he's already familiar with it from his current classes. Just do that one and dump the Y.