houston preschools (Bellaire, River Oaks, West: neighborhood, preschool, to live)

[etlee]

Hi my family is moving to Houston in a few months and we wanted to know the best preschools for a shy 2.5 year old. I would like small class sizes and a loving and nurturing environment. I don't necessarily need to send my child to the best academically challenging preschool but a well-rounded one with good academics as well as overall child development. I've been researching First Presbyterian, Grace, and River Oaks Baptist. If people can add to that list as well as give their opinions on the three mentioned above, it'd be appreciated. We haven't decided yet where we are going to live but we'd like to live close to the school we eventually decide on. Any nice family-oriented neighborhood recommendations near to those schools would be appreciated as well.

[AOLiga]

My three-year-old attends St. Catherine's Montessori, and we love it; but I know Montessori isn't for everyone.
St. Paul's preschool in the Museum district is very popular. The other two that I hear most about are Westbury Methodist and the School for Little Children in Bellaire. I believe all three are traditional preschools.
All are in good areas for families, but Westbury and Willowbend/Willow Meadows (near Grace) are much more affordable than River Oaks, Bellaire, and the Museum District.

[AOLiga]

A couple more thoughts....
I was referring to Grace Episcopal school in Willowbend; the Grace School is in west Houston.

Did you want your child to start this fall? It is too late to apply for some of the schools mentioned, for this fall. The schools that have elementary programs (River Oaks Baptist, St. Catherine's, Presbyterian,etc.) sent out acceptance letters in March.
I think you would have better luck getting into a school that is solely a preschool, like Westbury or St. Paul's, since their deadlines are less rigid.
Good luck with your search!