Currently in pre-school, what to expect for Kinder and what to look for...

[Cekimon]

Hi...

I've been really lucky with preschool and I love the program we attend. We love the teacher and the approach - it's a co op so I love the involvement of everyone. The teacher is super professional and I could not be happier.

So I feel like kindergarten is going to be a big let down no matter where we go! I just don't deal well with change.

I am probably trying to get a transfer from the public school we are supposed to attend. I feel bad because I actually attended that school and the principal is still the same and knows me and a niece who just moved to middle school and a nephew who is in 1st grade. So we have connections there for sure. HOWEVER... the school no longer does science camp at all (not sure why?) And the school rating is poor. It's a 4 out of 10 on great schools.net.

So I'm wondering what factors played into your decision if you chose to try for a transfer? (I'm in CA btw). Did the school rating, demographic, income of families, etc play into your choices??

Then my two other choices are way different schools but much higher ratings but still very different. I don't even know if I'll be granted a transfer, but if I do, I want to have it in my mind clearly which school I want of the two that are nearby with better ratings. What kinds of things should I be asking when I call or attend PTA meetings to get a feel for the families and involvement?

Thanks!!
I'm already starting to get some ideas from reading this board. I just think this is the hugest parenting decisions I've had to make so far. Up until now everything has come pretty easy so I'm really worried about moving into public school.

[meemee]

the practical things mattered in K for me.

how close is the school? how long is the program? what time does it start?

so for K i sent dd to a school that was not our first choice because my biggest primary reason was afternoon K. it was half day. so dd could adjust to starting school in first grade rather than first. she is a night owl.

oh and let me tell you (before i forget) that it does seem like the hugest parenting decision, but really it isnt

i did not even look at ratings. however i visited the school and met some teachers and principals and really enjoyed them. they were so family like. very casual.

however dd HATED it!!! she in fact HATES school. even in 3rd grade she sometimes still tells me to send her back to preschool/daycare. they did art, science projects, etc and she loved it. but this is unique to her. i swear i think she is the only kid in her class who hates school as much as she does. she just tolerates it. i think it would really help her if she could get wednesdays off.

now the key to be aware of is the first month all kids take time to adjust. so more tantrums, bad behaviour, troublesom stuff. yeah even in 3rd grade. k and 1st most kids also have anxiety of starting school and what is going to happen.

we did not send dd to the neighbourhood school as it had too many discipline and police and broken limbs incidents (in bigger grades).

more than the school and anything else - its the teachers who make the major experience for the child. its because of dd's teachers dd has not been a depressed child. she hates the structure of school, homework... but really enjoys her teachers.