Bright Beginning Pre-School

I am finishing my fourth year at Bright Beginnings. My daughter attended the preschool for two years and is now in first grade. My son son is in his second year at the preschool and will be going on to kindergarten in the fall. My daughter excels in her classes and I continue to see the benefits of the child-centered environment. My daughter can take on any task that is given to her, while I notice other children aren't sure what to do unless they are given very specific instructions. I was surprised one day to hear one of her classmates say that he was not good at doing something and chose to sit and not do a simple craft instead of making an attempt and seeing what he could come up with. I also love working in the classroom - observing my kids interact with their classmates and seeing them develop. The school seems to be getting better and better and I will be sad to leave that part of my life behind at the end of this year.
--Submitted by a parent

We're back this year with a second child after having looked at some other schools. There's nothing like Bright Beginnings in this area. If you have read research on how preschoolers learn, it's through play, experience, and interacting with the environment. Preschoolers should not be sitting and "being taught" concepts by a teacher. They should be provided with an environment that the teachers have planned with lots of opportunities for learning. Teachers should be available to help guide children who are needing assistance and provide feedback. This is what happens at Bright Beginnings. I believe the school to be quite safe. The bathroom policy was changed this year so that only teachers take kids to the bathroom- I guess there were complaints from people who didn't get the whole co-op philosophy and who believe that fingerprints make a person safe. I didn't have a problem with it but I understand the reason for the change. There is a new teacher in our class and a new director. They have brought a fresh perspective along with the new director. The previous staff were great but there's something to be said for change too. I highly recommend Bright Beginnings!
--Submitted by a parent

My youngest child is currently enrolled at Bright Beginnings. She is my third child to attend and we love the school. The philosophy is that children learn best through play. Bright Beginnings has provided an excellent foundation for my older children who are excelling in elementary school. Children are encouraged to explore and learn through trial and error. The teachers are enthusiastic and provide stimulating activities for the children. The director is very professional and easy to talk to. I love that Bright Beginnings is a Parent co-op because two to three times a month, I get to be in the classroom helping out. It allows me to see what my child is learning and spend time with her in school. I also enjoy the monthly meetings and the parent education they provide. I am very pleased with my experience at Bright Beginnings and we will be back next year!
--Submitted by a parent

We love this preschool. We just enrolled our third child and have attended with our other 2. It is child centered and developmentally appropriate. The kids have lots of opportunities for learning pre-academic skills as well as opportunities for decision making, problem solving, and social and emotional development. The outside area is amazing and I love that there is a balance of structure and transition with open play. All of the activities are planned by the teachers with specific learning objectives in mind so that while kids are "just playing" they are learning and developing. I wouldn't send my child anywhere else.
--Submitted by a parent

The best preschool in the area. Very developmentally appropriate with a child based curriculum and parent participation. The teachers are fabulous and really care about the kids and the children love it when their parents are volunteering in the classroom.
--Submitted by a parent

We attended this school for one month before we withdrew our child. Unfortunately this school is very unorganized and lacks the structure needed in a pre-school environment. It is loud and very chaotic with many younger 3year olds.
--Submitted by a parent