Austin Montessori Recommendations?
 

Moving to Austin summer '07 and seeking school recommendations. Living on West side in Spanish Oaks neighborhood.

* Montessori for a 3-year-old?
* Also a Kindergartener, who would either do Lake Travis or private? Any perspective on this district or if private better?

Sorry I can't help with your specific questions but I can recommend another forum for you to try.

http://www.city-data.com/forum/texas/

Lots of great info here concerning relocation and neighborhoods.

You wouldn't happen to be moving from central Ohio would you? Why are you moving to Austin?

Hello ethanb - we will practically be neighbors! Welcome to Austin!

Before a recommendation could be given for a school, you would need to give a little more info on what you expect in a school. Some go to private schools for more discipline, smaller classrooms, a variety of reasons. Others prefer public schools.

Best best is to visit each place individually, ask lots of questions, and make an informed decision.

I don't have youngsters any longer, but perhaps someone I know that does could give some info about the Montessori. However, there are also some very good church-based preschools in the area that are very popular also. Again, it is your preference that should guide you.

Thanks for the feedback and warm welcome. We continue to marvel at how friendly Austin is!

* What tipped off moving from central Ohio?

* As to school expectations, I'm looking for a stellar curriculum starting at an early age, low teach turn-over, a smaller teacher:student classroom ratio (than public schools) and a sense of school community. Willing to travel further to school as needed.

Would appreciate any thoughts.

Diane, you must be aliska. Small world.

Lake Travis school district has excellent schools with great parent participation. I believe the school for Spanish Oaks is the Bee Cave elementary school, which is relatively new (<5yrs old).

One of the issues with that area is the growth - LT ISD has built several new schools in the last few years and continues to grow, so there may be some redistricting taking place. Check w/ the district office.

For a elementary school I think public school, esp. an excellent district like LT is a plus, especially since all the neighbor kids will be in the same school. You won't find a better demographic environment for education, parental support ($ and hands on), and overall community involvement anywhere so I would save my education $ for later private school years if needed.

There are also several private schools (church affiliated) - St. Michaels is one and I forget the other one off SW pkwy, near Mopac (not far from Spanish oaks) that many parents look into as kids get older and move into the very very large, more anonymous public middle and high schools in that area. MS and HS are still excellent, but many students thrive better in a smaller more nurturing environment.

TX law provides for excellent class size for elem. school, and as I mentioned, in that specific area, due to parental involvement there is often at least one parent helper in-class for enrichment or help for individual or small groups of students.

Yes, Julie, IT IS a small world. Good luck and hope our new neighbors will be as nice. We will miss the boys.