5 /5 Deanna Bush: UPDATE: I wanted to update my previous review (see the looooooooooong one below about how well this worked for my two developmentally delayed toddlers).
My children are in elementary school now, and I continue to see my decision to place my kids at Knowledge House to be an excellent one. My kids started kindergarten academically ahead of their peers, and having already developed the social skills necessary for elementary school. They could work well with others, treat each other and adults with respect, and solve problems peacefully.
I see the influence of their education at Knowledge House sneaking out in all sorts of positive ways: they shake hands with people and are confident when sharing their ideas, they include others in their play and notice when someone is left out, they love to explore and learn new things, and they use many different ways to solve problems.
Mark and Valerie make this preschool a place for children to grow and learn at their own pace, and where children develop a sense of community and self-confidence.
PREVIOUS REVIEW: I am floored that this preschool could get anything but positive reviews, especially from children who are developmentally different -- the 2 star, site-approved review from the annoyed parent of the "Steve Jobs level" kid is the absolute opposite of our experience and those of my childrens friends there.
My developmentally disabled children began at Knowledge house when they were almost 3 years old, and have attended for 3 incredible years. Because of their developmental delays, learning differences and disabilities, most private preschools wouldnt take them or had environments that would fail them. But, we tried Knowledge House and it went incredibly well.
The teachers truly believe in supporting children and following their lead and strengths. One of my children is academically advanced, but socially behind -- at Knowledge House, he bloomed in both areas. They happily helped him with works that he enjoyed and found challenging, and also supported his behavior and social skill needs. He will enter kindergarten above grade level in reading and math-- something he pursued because he enjoys it and which the preschool supported. In the last 3 years, he has grown confident and developed a strong circle of friends, and has the social skills to tackle public elementary school.
My other child is more typical but was afraid and anxious when he first started preschool. The teachers at Knowledge house worked with immeasurable patience to help him overcome his fears and gain confidence. They went out of their way to create an environment where he felt safe and well loved. He worked on his academics at his own pace and has done marvelously. He has also thrived in their calm, child-centered space.
Both my children love the work areas and the outdoor garden and play yard--which have a simple, natural feel that is typical Montessori. They love the rabbits and the strawberries in the garden. The free time at the end of the day has helped them develop strong friendships.
As for work that comes home: if you want crafty/cutesy stuff (which is often developmentally inappropriate), this isnt the place for that. The activities kids do here are about helping the kids develop and learn. My kids brought home papers that clearly showed the gradual development of their fine-motor and letter/number skills. They also brought home beautiful, natural projects--felted soaps theyd made themselves, plants in folded newspaper pots that they had made/planted/grown themselves, etc.
We love Knowledge House. Mr. Mark and Mrs. Valerie have made a positive difference in the lives of our family and my children. It is mostly thanks to this incredible place that my children are more than ready for kindergarten academically and socially. I cannot recommend it highly enough.
