Why Did Your Family Choose Sandhurst?
by Amy (mom to Arlo, 3-5’s)
This is the question that began one of our 3-5’s parent meetings a few months ago. With so many preschool options out there, it was interesting to hear the various reasons why families chose Sandhurst and especially how often our responses echoed one another.
The following are a few reasons parents in the 3-5’s class chose Sandhurst:
“We were already in the NSCC co-op system, and we were looking for a new preschool. When I toured Sandhurst, I talked with Suzanne about her educational philosophy which sounded perfect. But what really sold me was observing Suzanne in action at preschool. Within minutes Suzanne’s experience and caring were shining through and I immediately felt at ease.”
– Sheri, mom to Amelia
“We chose Sandhurst because this co-op school makes our child happy! My child learns best through play and through connecting with others and Sandhurst is all about play and developing strong relationships with peers and adults. The teacher, parents, and children seem happy to be at school. There is no commanding, yelling, or children looking bored. Children, teachers, and parents are engaging with each other – smiling, nodding, leaning in to listen to each other and working things through together. Sandhurst feels supportive and collaborative.
We were looking for a preschool environment that does not promote superficial or rote learning skills. Sandhurst is an emotionally safe environment for our child. When children feel safe, they are willing take risks, show their vulnerabilities, and make mistakes without fear or shame.”
– Kelli, mom to Will
“We chose Sandhurst because we were unhappy with the co-op we had started at and were looking for a better fit. I was impressed from the start at how quickly Julie got back to me compared with other PCs at other co-ops and how warm and welcomed I felt at the tour. Suzanne made me feel at home right away and made me feel confident in her skills both professionally and personally. The timing of switching co-ops was not the best as I was also experiencing a huge personal loss having just gone through the death of my mother. At that first meeting, I felt so comfortable and at ease at Sandhurst that I knew it would be a good place to be during this difficult time. “
– Jessica, mom to Jillian
“Our family chose Sandhurst for several reasons. First and foremost, we love the teachers. Both Amy and Suzanne are so knowledgeable and compassionate. The children are naturally drawn to them. I also feel like I learn so much as a mother watching the teachers interact with the children.
I also really value being involved in the school. As my children age, and there is more drop-off time, I find it really valuable to be able to know what they do during the day. It helps our communication lines stay open by prompting the conversations about their day, for instance, “Did you play with Arlo today?” “Tell me about the art project.” or “Did your baby doll get fussy today?” We’ve tried other schools, and because I didn’t know what Ella was drawn to, we never really talked about school. She wasn’t quite able to articulate her day, and I didn’t know enough to prompt her.
It’s nice to be involved in the school, to receive regular parent education, and to have community building events (like song night). Because of Sandhurst, not a day goes by that I don’t see “school friends” at the park or grocery store or at the gym that we met at co-op. Lastly, I have two children, and it’s really nice to be able to have one-on-one time with them. I get alone time with my younger daughter when Ella goes to school, and I get a weekly, built in date with Ella by attending school with her. She and I both look forward to the days we share at preschool.
I also found Sandhurst co-op to be affordable, and it helps that we only live 2 blocks away.”
– Stephanie, mom of Ella
“Sandhurst came highly recommended by my neighbor who had two children in the program. She said that Suzanne was amazing, loved kids, and believed in a play-based environment for the little ones. I was sold, and here we are! It was everything she said and more!”