Lamplighter, Good Shepherd, or Parish for Pre-K? (Dallas, Howe: home, schools)

[boymama]

Hi everyone,

Our son was just admitted to Pre-K at Lamplighter, Parish, Good Shepherd, and St. Alcuin. While we like all of the schools, we're not sure St. Alcuin's approach is best for our little guy, so we have narrowed the field down to the other three.

Our ultimate goal (at least, right now) is St. Mark's or Greenhill (we were waitlisted at Greenhill this year). However, we are also open minded and want to see how our son's personality and interests evolve, so our goal may change.

My question: since we like Lamplighter, Parish, and Good Shepherd, what is your take on all three schools? If you have first-hand experience with any of them, would you mind sharing? Which one might help position him best for admission to Greenhill or St. Mark's (if we continue on that path)? If you had to make the choice (or if you already have), which school would you choose and why?

Thanks so much for the advice!

[TX75007]

I am not sure where your son stands, but our son who is among the youngest in a PreK at a private, still learns more at home from us or from his computer games than he learns from school. Things like writing and art he does get from school which we do not do. And he gets to run around a lot outside and they do not make him take a nap. So he likes it a lot. LOL.

I spend an hour each night reading with him, taking turns. In the last 9 mos he has gone from level 1 readers to 3rd grade chapter books. This summer we will start on Chemistry and ALEKS/Singapore math. He has always loved music and really applies himself - currently takes private piano lessons and does recitals with 2d graders.

Keep in mind that in his PreK they are still going over letter recognition.

So what I am saying, it matters more what you do with him for one hour each day or with private teachers - than a full day at a Pre K that is not specifically and constantly targeted to his needs. This is something to consider when you think about allocating your money and your time.

Both St Marks and GH are great schools. A typical bright boy will probably have a better chance of getting into St Marks than GH due to GH having fewer slots for boys. The value of the "feeder" schools is that they can prepare a kid to present themselves like some privates might expect. But, is that who your son is? I know three young men who were home schooled or in publics before they went to St Marks.

[Vacation101]

Chemistry? Seriously??

[nakold23]

Originally Posted by boymama

Hi everyone,

Our son was just admitted to Pre-K at Lamplighter, Parish, Good Shepherd, and St. Alcuin. While we like all of the schools, we're not sure St. Alcuin's approach is best for our little guy, so we have narrowed the field down to the other three.

Our ultimate goal (at least, right now) is St. Mark's or Greenhill (we were waitlisted at Greenhill this year). However, we are also open minded and want to see how our son's personality and interests evolve, so our goal may change.

My question: since we like Lamplighter, Parish, and Good Shepherd, what is your take on all three schools? If you have first-hand experience with any of them, would you mind sharing? Which one might help position him best for admission to Greenhill or St. Mark's (if we continue on that path)? If you had to make the choice (or if you already have), which school would you choose and why?

Thanks so much for the advice!

In my opinion, Lamplighter is the best choice. All 3 are pretty good options but Lamplighter has basically solidified itself as a feeder school into St. Marks and Greenhill. That's not to say all kids from Lamplighter get in their but as long as they are good students and have good ISEE scores they have a good shot. Our kids went through Lamplighter and got acceptances into Greenhill, St Marks, ESD, etc. Let me know if you have any questions

[TX75007]

Originally Posted by Vacation101

Chemistry? Seriously??

He wanted to know why certain balloons float and others do not. That led to discussion on He and and the composition of air. He made the connection to steam and smoke rising then what was steam vs smoke and then what was fire. I showed him the periodic table and talked about chemical reactions. We went to a museum and he found a shirt with the periodic table on it and he wears it a lot. He wants to know what each element is. He keeps asking questions based on the answers I give him. So we will get a molecular set and work through a simple chemistry textbook.

This is no different than his collection of dinosaur books. He knows the names of hundreds of them. Or his knowledge of disney junior shows.

What would you do? Ignore him?

[Vacation101]

No need to be antagonistic. I think it's great that he's intellectually curious and that you have the patience to respond.

[autyger]

If you are concerned about St. Alcuin's approach, you should note that Lamplighter also has lots of Montessori elements. It's a great school with an amazing campus and has a great reputation. But our kiddo needed more structure, so we went with Meadowbrook over Lamplighter and have been very pleased. And Meadowbrook also feeds to St. Mark's, Greenhill, and the other usual suspects in North Dallas. You may want to check it out for future reference: Meadowbrook School Good luck with your choice.

[fndmom]

Lamplighter is known to be a feeder school so if thats your goal it may be your best bet. I have heard negative things about Parish from a parent who eventually switched to Good Shepard. Meadowbrook also has a wonderful reputation as does the daVinci school ( Welcome to The da Vinci School ).

Based on what I heard I would rank them in this order, but I dont have first hand experience.
Lamplighter
Good Shepard
Parish

[Dallas_m]

Does anyone know if Meadowbrook or Da Vinci School have after school care till 5:30/6:00 pm? I reserached their website, I think they either offer half day program or the program finish @ 2:30 pm in the afternoon for pre-k. If so, it won't be an option for us.

Anyone have any experience with St. Alcuin's? My goal is to get our DD into Hockaday or Greenhill eventually.

[New to Dallas2]

Lamplighter allthe way ,if your end goal is Greenhill