Green House Preschool and Kindergarten

My son attended this school a couple of years back. It did not work out for us. It is a hype and really not worth the money you pay. I ended up putting my son in "learn and grow" in palisades park. I could not be happier with my decision. He learned so much in that school. They really prepared him. Till this day, he is still a much more advanced reader in his first grade class. Green house preschool, in my opinion is really money orientated and impersonal. I am not talking about tuition, that they take out of your bank account automatically. Parking is a real problem for this school because school number 2 is right across the street. Picking up your child is really rushed. Teachers appeared to be impatient when you wait unitll all the kids are picked up and tried to get a little brief about your child's day. I remember getting 20 minute brief about my child at learn and grow. And a big plus, they close at 6pm. I never picked up my child that late, but would help if encounter traffic after work. Green house closes at 3:30pm, I guess they want to live up to the hype and really act like a real school.
--Submitted by a parent

My son has been attending green house since sept 2011. He is happy there. He just turned 4 and yes he is reading on his own. But more importantly, he is growing socially and having fun. i beleive that PS children should be in an environment that respects where they are at...not where someone thinks they should be. children at this age should be developing their imaginations and learning to share and communicate in a safe, clean and supportive environment and greenhouse provides that.
--Submitted by a parent

I am so not agree with the previous review by saying that all their kids did at school was painting and walking!!!!!!! Omg, don't you read the weekly news which will tell you what your kids had been learning the whole week!!!!! I love the Greenhouse because the teachers are so caring, and how well the director runs the school !!!!!! I am so happy about their curriculum especially the HUngry Caterpillar class really helps your kids to get ready for the first grade. For the tuition part, if you don't like the way they keep one month tuition, why you bother to sign your kids in, you can choose not to attend this school, and in stead of complaining now!!!
--Submitted by a parent

Thank You Green House Preschool and Kindergarten Staff for being my Babies and Our Second Family! You taught me to let go every first day of school, as far back as, thirteen years ago when I dropped off my oldest. But most importantly, you taught Gina Marie, Robert Dean and Gianna the importance of the LOVE of learning while showing them every day, that there are teachers that really care about a child s education and well-being at its most fundamental core. I will forever carry you in my heart, as my children already do! See you in September 2011.
--Submitted by a parent

Our son just completed his pre-K 4 program at Greenhouse and we couldn't be any happier. I researched all options and observed several schools while the students were in session before enrolling him into the program. As a former elementary teacher, current school administrator, and academically minded parent, I enthusiastically recommend Green House. The curricula is age appropriate and the staff was able to differentiate to meet the diverse needs of students. The environment is warm, safe, modern, and CLEAN! The directors and instructional staff went above and beyond in their efforts to communicate. We received weekly newsletters, slideshows, and reminders. Emails and calls were returned promptly. Our son's love for learning, academic and social skills, and confidence grew tremendously this year. I thank Green House for providing him with such a solid foundation to build upon.
--Submitted by a parent

I think the school is fine but the overall atmosphere of catering to wealthier parents reflects very heavily on how well or unwell your child is treated. My child will actually not be attending anymore because I don't want them him to learn that the one with the child with the parents that ring the most cupcakes or pay tuition in advance or anything silly like that will be the child who has the most nurturing experience at school. Academics are just okay, my child should have been reading by now, but isn't and when you bring that up to the teacher she says "Oh each child is different'. I guess this is my lesson in just because it looks pretty doesn't mean it's an intelligent choice for your child. Plus the principle/director is very money hungry.
--Submitted by a parent

I really don't like this school. I too, like other parents, bought into the hype of this school being fabulous. We were so very sadly disappointed. The curriculum is not geared toward academics at all. Everyday that I ask my child what they did at school, the answer is painting and going for a walk. The teachers, at least my kids' teacher, seem very non-communicative and almost aloof. The director is quick to automatically deduct tuition out of my bank account, which by the way is the ONLY way you are allowed to do it, however the director is not that punctual at addressing parents' concerns. I feel very guilty that my kid wasted a year here. Good concerned parents, who want a great education for their kids, don't waste your time. But if you have lots of money and want a director who brown noses you because of that, then by all means send your child to this school. Not for me or my chid though.
--Submitted by a parent

As parents, I don't think this school is the BEST preschool in Bergen County. I feel someone knows well this school and wrote below comments. We do pay July full payment when we make contracts for the beginning and if you move to other school, you will loose one month full tuition. I understand initial deposit money (usually other preschool deposit $ 100-150 which is can not refund). Greenhouse shouldn't take one month tuition if kid can't attend school until end of school year.
--Submitted by a parent

As a working mom myself I can understand the frustration of trying to find day care when school is closed. However, being a teacher as well as a mom I understand the difficulties that schools go through when faced with poor weather conditions. My child started school at two and a half years old and I was terrified. I will always be grateful for the warm and welcoming smiles my child received from the staff who took him out of the car to his teachers who nurtured him through a tough transition. Three years later I drop off my child knowing that he is loved, looked after, and academically challenged. What more can I ask for as a teacher but more importantly as a mom.
--Submitted by a parent

The Greenhouse is a loving, safe, educational environment for my little one. She is absolutely happy there and treated as an individual. All the teachers know the childrens' names and I often see the directors of the school:Ms. Lorie and Ms. Miriam-sittng outside with the little ones and singing/smiling with them as they wait for their pickup. Yes, the winter weather was frustrating along with the missed days and I empathize with trying to find childcare with the snowdays but this is something that cannot be controlled. I also wish there was a way to get the days back but again, this is the policy for most preschools in the area. (Correction to other comment:The school is open until mid July and we do NOT pay for a full month-the payment is prorated with the deposit you give at the beginning of the year.) My daughter sings songs in different languages and uses sign language, she talks about the continents, brings home incredible artwork, really works on her writing, numbers etc.-the list goes on and on. There is a reason why the waiting list is so long. The teachers are extremely professional and caring. It is the BEST preschool in Bergen County.
--Submitted by a parent