South Orange Country Day School

My kids love this school. They have both had great experiences, and their teachers have been amazing. My son is in 2nd grade and still visits his SOCD teachers! It is a nurturing and warm school with a hands-on administrator who takes time to know the students and families well.
--Submitted by a parent

I have read all the reviews and I felt compelled to write my own review. Anne Marie is a savior! I can not say enough about the changes she has brought to this school. My son is in his third year here and I am sad to see it end. Since (Anne Marie) taking over as director last year the changes have been nothing short of amazing. She is a loving caring individual who takes the time to address any concerns you may have or just to chit chat. She is very hands on, knows all the children on a very personal level and in return the kids adore her. A far cry from the previous director who never made herself available (except if your tuition was late), and the kids were terrified of her. The staff has developed the same attitude and the revolving door of teachers has stopped.
--Submitted by a parent

My grandson is in his second year at SOCDS. The teachers are good but the old Director was clearly in it for the money. However in January 2008 the school was sold (to a parent) and the change has been nothing short of amazing. The new Director clearly has a love of children and puts the education of her students first and foremost. The changes made not only in the in the classroom but the atmosphere have been terrific. I too was not happy with the standards before, but AnneMarie has breathed new life into this school and her positive attitude is contagious. The staff seems more motivated which of course had effected the children as well. My Grandson has another year left before he goes to kindergarten and I must say I will be sad when his experience at this school comes to an end.
--Submitted by a parent

We have two children at the school - one in Kindergarten, one in pre-school. Both are very happy there. My 3-year-old daughter loves her teachers, who are exceptionally warm and nurturing. My 5-year-old son, who is very bright, is learning a lot from his teacher and having fun in the playground. We are very happy with the small class sizes, the large amount of personal attention, and the constant communication about what the kids are doing and how they are doing. My children used to go to another pre-school and both tell me they like this school better. It is smaller and less chaotic than their old school. They even enjoy doing the homework, which is cutting and coloring for the 3-year old and math for the 5-year-old. My only suggestion for improvement would be to have more indoor recreation opportunities in the winter.
--Submitted by a parent

Before you allow your child to attend this preschool, be sure to talk to other parents about their experiences. The teachers, although nice and competent, tend to be young and inexperienced. Not to mention, the turnover is high. There was homework several days a week, which is a lot for a three-year-old. The director, although a savvy businessperson and nice on the surface, can be quite difficult to deal with and is very focused on preparing students for the elite, private elementary schools. If that's what you're after, it's not such a bad place. But if you're looking for a warm, nurturing environment that stays true to the Montessori school of thought -- keep looking.
--Submitted by a parent

My child has been at SOCD for a year and a half now and we are very impressed by the teacher involvement. My child is academically simulated and she too is in the class of over 25 student. The teachers have been wonderful but with the history of teacher turnover at this, I just hope they finish up the year. The administration is something to be desired. The 'director' is very disorganized and spaced out. Don't let her fool you if you do decide to go on a walk through. I've heard word of a kindergarten class next year and who the teacher may be but if it doesn't solidify in the next month or so my child also will not be returning. I, as well as other parents, have asked numerous times and the director gives the same roundabout answer and ends on the note of 'leave a deposit'.
--Submitted by a parent

We have been at SOCD since 2004 and are very happy with the educational development and excellent teachers. Until this year, classes were small/intimate -I knew my child was receiving the attention I was paying for. However, I have witnessed/been effected by the high rate of teacher turnover, inefficiency of the administration and accounting methods, occassional wrath of the director/propietor. My child's current class has more than 25 children enrolled (previous years were in the 10-15 range). There are supposed to be 4 teachers/assistants in the class, but rarely do I see 4,(usually 2- and if I didn't introduce myself I would have no idea who they were). Nonetheless, my child has continued to learn/develop. A music program was added this year -a big positive. Parent involvement is OK- sporadic but improving. But based on the last year, and the unknown status of a kindergarten class, we wiil not be returning.
--Submitted by a parent

Although the teachers at SOCDS are amazing the director is very flakey and disorganized. Every child should be prepared for an intense curriculum which often leaves children feeling stressed throughout the day.
--Submitted by a teacher

This is a school with great teachers and unbelievable academics. However, the lack of a school secretary makes for a disorganized director, which in turn leaves the children in an atmosphere of extremely stressed adults.
--Submitted by a staff

Two year old child has been there for about a month and a half, during which time I have noted a marked increase in his comfort with verbal expression. He speaks in full sentences now! And seems to have adjusted to the school in a relatively short time. The director seems very hands-on and willing to address concerns or questions as they arise. I have never felt 'avoided' when I wanted to talk about my son's development. My one criticism concerns the apparent lack of structured updating to parents about daily activities, projects and milestones. (For example, if I knew what they do that has encouraged my son's language development, I could reinforce it at home.) I've been advised this is temporary, so I look forward to a regular written accounting of the curriculum and what goes on each day.
--Submitted by a parent