St Lukes has a very good reputation. It feels safe, they are well staffed, and there are lots of fun activities and diverse programs and after school activities for kids, not to mention fun events for the parents and families. They run a very tight ship and are extremely well organized and on top of things. That being said.... My biggest issue is the political aspect of the preschool and in general the way church schools nickel and dime you for school supplies, chapel donations, fund raisers, etc (which you know are going right back into the church and ironically since it is a church they pay no taxes! ) and also the average curriculum. The teachers are qualified and caring with low turnover, but you are not encouraged as a parent to hang around before or after class, instead you have a daily sheet to refer to and/or an email detailing the days activities. And their parking situation for drop off and pick up is a nightmare. Car line takes at least 15-20 minutes on a good day. And the 2-3 year old building has no one directing children to cross the street and no speed bumps, while elderly folks who live in the Haven speed through fairly often. The preschool is also pricey... $385 to enroll as opposed to the average $50-100. The curriculum is definitely not academically focused but rather church and art oriented...ie my 3 yo child would come home with drawings and nice artwork which the teachers basically did and singing church songs but nothing of real substance, and didn't learn any of the important skills like phonics, pre-reading, etc. And there is a real political factor there~~ everyone smiles and waves as long as you keep your mouth closed and move on your merry way. I think overall I found that the parents who are attracted to this school are looking for a faith-based experience and lots of hype. After a year there I was less than enchanted.
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