First School

My children have been going to this school for years. My son started at 2 and my daughter at 6 weeks, they are now 5 and 3. I highly recommend this school and the program they follow. Great caring teachers and support staff. My kids love going to school and are learning, A LOT! Well done First School and Thank You!
--Submitted by a parent

I don't usually participate in online reviews, however when I read the negative reviews about this wonderful early learning environment, I had to give my voice. First School is so inviting, relaxed, and yet somehow becomes an excellent source of academic excellence. It is a school that is "based" on the Montessori theory, and is not a strict Montessori school. The child to staff ratio is always in check or better, whenever I have been in any of my children's classrooms. All of my children have attended F.S. and some of my niece and nephews, and they all are advanced or accelerated learners in the elementary schools they now attend. They have this love of learning that they some how found while attending preschool in such an enriching environment of supportive educators who took the time to prepare a classroom for individuals and not for a group who had to learn all at the same time. I challenge you to check out the wonderful place where children thrive, want to stay and learn or play, and can't wait to come back the next day.
--Submitted by a parent

Our child loves it here! And frankly, so do we! The teachers are really nice, take their jobs seriously and really look out for the kids. Our son makes a real fuss about me leaving, but within 20 seconds of leaving, he's running around and playing. The food seems nutritious (protein, vegetable, fruit and milk) -- two snacks a day and lunch. The facilities are clean and secure (fenced in and computerized sign in/out). The parents that I've talked (who have slightly older kids) to say that their kids are reading way beyond their grade levels. I have nothing but good things to say about the school!
--Submitted by a parent

We just put our son at First School and are pleased so far. We put a lot of research and visits into this school. They're clean, affordable, friendly, safe (you need your thumbprint to sign your child in and out of the school), fenced in play areas, someone is always at the front door and during the "non-rush" the doors are usually locked. We were hesitant at first because of the 3 negative reviews on the internet.... but out of the 15 years they've been in operation and hundreds of students that have gone through their doors -- three negatives is not bad at all. A lot of the faculty in the UofI Engineering dept send their kids here (and that's where we got our references from) and they all said that their kids are reading well beyond their age level and their communication skills are excellent! I've also heard (from parents who have kids that went here AND who didn't go here) that the kindergarten here is way ahead of the Mahomet district. The Mahomet K is 3 hours (complete with nap, recess and playtime which doesn't leave much time for anything else) vs FS-K which is all day.... where would you want your child learning??
--Submitted by a parent

Don't be fooled by the nice facilities, this place keeps it's costs low by employing as few teachers as possible resulting in high teacher turnover and extended periods where too many children are being watched by too few teachers. Of the teachers they do have, very few have formal teaching educations or certificates and some actually perform administrative duties while they are supposed to be teaching. Their eye is always on the bottom line and that is placed above the care of the students. The curriculum is advertised as Montessori, but is not followed. Children seen as troublemakers are singled out, isolated, and generally treated poorly to persuade the parents to remove them from the facility. Do your child a favor and avoid this place at all costs!
--Submitted by a parent

~The teachers do not have teaching certificates ~There education is not best practice. ~They claim to be Montesorri, but are not a legitamit school. ~This is a glorified babysitter, pretending to be a school. ~DCFS has been called many times on this building and its staff

My son has been going here for two years. He has learned a lot. he is doind addition in PreK and reads small words. He has aquired great friendships with classmates and teachers. They don't have snowdays or spring break. I would recomend this school to everyone. They also are alowed to pray because it is private
--Submitted by a parent