Whitestone area moms, Kiddie Academy or The Corner School?

My daughter will be 2.5yrs old in September, so come that time we wanted to start her off in a 1/2 day nursery program. We've narrowed it down to Kiddie Academy in Whitestone and The Corner School in Bayside. Does anyone have any feedback on either school? Any reviews or comments would be greatly appreciated. I've scheduled tours of both facilities but I'd also like to hear from moms that actually send their little ones there.

Also, I've heard of Pee Wee Folks in the area. Anyone have any input on that school? Thanks!!

Message edited 4/17/2013 2:12:11 PM.

Whitestone area moms, Kiddie Academy or The Corner School?

Bump for the evening crowd

Whitestone area moms, Kiddie Academy or The Corner School?

My friend sent her DS to The Corner School for two years. They loved it.

Whitestone area moms, Kiddie Academy or The Corner School?

Im also curious to hear your experience at Kiddie Academy and The Corner School.

Whitestone area moms, Kiddie Academy or The Corner School?

We looked into Kiddie Academy for DS, but my mom ended up watching him for us. I know a few people who have kids in there and they are all very happy.

They are a new facility, the classrooms were nice and clean, they had a pretty modern security system for entering and leaving (id pad and cameras), the kids we saw all looked happy etc. They are expensive. I have heard that the office staff is not that nice - and that the teachers leave because of them.

We also looked at PeeWee folks, but I think because we saw KA first, I was turned off by it. It wasn't new (it's been around for over 20 years), I wasn't impressed by the teacher, I didn't like that early drop off was in a class room with 2 assistants and children of all ages.

Their lack of modern security equipment put me off (bell and intercom). Again, a lot of my impressions had to do with seeing KA first. I also know people who send their kids there and they love it.

Re: Whitestone area moms, Kiddie Academy or The Corner School?

Thanks for your responses. I've also heard that the office staff at Kiddie Academy isn't the nicest and if that's who I'll be dealing with then I rather not send my daughter there. Then again I have a friend who sends her two kids there and she loves it so I'm torn because its right around the corner from my house. Then again I keep hearing how much everyone LOVES the Corner School so I'm really confused.

Anyone else have any experiences with either school? How are the programs at each? Am i wrong to think Kiddie Academy is more of a day care and less of a nursery school? How's their curriculum? Is there structure?

Whitestone area moms, Kiddie Academy or The Corner School?

I can call my friend later today and ask her specifics about her experience at the Corner School.

Whitestone area moms, Kiddie Academy or The Corner School?

I do not know anything about The Corner School but have heard some not so great things about KA, specifically high turnover of staff which is enough for me not to look. I think people are impressed by the nice looking facilites but IMO I would rather my child be in a place with rave reviews about the teacher and program then somewhere that looks pretty.

I am currently looking to do part time for my son but he will only be 2 so that limits my options, plan on looking at The Corner School when he is older thanks for the recommendation.

Re: Whitestone area moms, Kiddie Academy or The Corner School?

Whitestone area moms, Kiddie Academy or The Corner School?

I went for a tour today of the corner school and my only reservations are that the space felt super cramped and congested.. a lot of things all over and that my daughter seemed super uncomfortable. I'm hoping that was only because it was a new place with new people. Lets see how she reacts when we go see KA.

Whitestone area moms, Kiddie Academy or The Corner School?

I text my friend earlier today and this was her response-

The Corner School is awesome! I would highly recommend them to anyone looking for a good preschool. The teachers are so caring and loving, the curriculum is great, and I like that it is small...the teachers and director really knew Christopher and my family.

HTH!

Re: Whitestone area moms, Kiddie Academy or The Corner School?

Whitestone area moms, Kiddie Academy or The Corner School?

i don't have any experience with either---DD goes to crayon box preschool in Auburndale, and loves it!