[miasandhadleysmom]

It is me again. The one moving from CA to CT (Newtown area). We were planning to homeschool but my daughter (first grade) is begging to go to school and since we are moving and she is very social, we are thinking it may be a great way for her to meet friends. Does anybody love their schools? We will be moving somewhere near Newtown but would consider living up to 45 minutes away if the town and schools were great. We couldn't afford anything too expensive and are pretty liberal when if comes to religion but would be willing to consider private school too if it was really great for the kids. Any opinions???

 

[CorbinsMama]

Hi, I remember you asking about Newtown before.

My son goes to Litchfield Montessori School (http://www.litchfieldmontessori.org/), which we absolutely love. It is an accredited, very traditional Montessori school; not one of those ones that is Montessori in name only. We have incredible teachers, a wonderful head of school, and a great bunch of families. DS is about to start his third year there, and will be in Lower El (1st grade). We are really excited about it because the three Lower El teachers we call the "dream team." Two of those teachers put on the school play every year. Last year they did Midsummer Night's Dream and the year before they did Peter Pan. Wrangling 6 to 12 year old children into doing Shakespeare is impressive to see!

There also is Washington Montessori, which is a much larger school, but I don't know how traditional they are.

In Newtown there is a Waldorf school: http://www.waldorfct.org/

There are other private schools in the area, like Taft (Watertown -- only grades 9-12), Chase (Waterbury), and Rumsey (Washington Depot).

HTH!

 

[EStraiton]

Hi there - I'm in Brookfield! The waldorf school in Newtown is wonderful but we can't afford it. Newtown public schools are also very good as well as Brookfield public schools. Good area in general.

Good luck!

 

[minimunklemama]

the frazerwoods montessori is supposed to be great.i think it is in Newtown or close to it

 

[CorbinsMama]

Oh, yeah, forgot that one. Here's a link: http://www.fraserwoods.com/

 

[miasandhadleysmom]

Thanks for all the suggestions. Unfortunately, all of the private schools are way too expensive for me to consider which makes me so sad because I wish my children could have that kind of education. The public schools in Bethel got pretty good reviews on greatschools.com so I am looking into them.

 

[EStraiton]

honestly i think newtown schools are better... but i thats just from word of mouth and such...

good luck!

 

[miasandhadleysmom]

Thanks. I will look into houses in Newtown more closely. Does anyone know much about the schools or communities in New Milford. Houses there seem to be more affordable but my vibes tell me it may not be as nice of a community. thanks so much!

 

[cuqui]

A few of the families at our Waldorf school live in New Milford, including the Waldorf grad who started our school. Don't know much about the public schools there.

There is a Waldorf playgroup at the weekends in New Milford, run by 2 Waldorf teachers from our school.

You can apply for financial aid at HVS, there are scholarships available including a FULL one for a 1st grader, I do not believe anyone has gotten it yet. It is a FULL scholarship for 8 years! Worth asking about it. www.waldorfct.org
Good luck!

 

[EStraiton]

If you want to apply for the scholarship, let me know - I'm friends with a nice woman who is very involved in the waldorf school. She presented the opportunity to me but my dd is only in Kindy.

Honestly, I would not send my children to New Milford schools but that's my personal opinion. A few years back there were a lot of bad things said about the schools there but now I've heard things have really improved and they are much better. My best friend sends her kids to the public schools there and is very happy at this point... i think the lower grades are fine but she said when it gets to the higher grades if she is not happy, she may find a private school.

I don't know if you would be open to Catholic schools? St. Joseph's in Brookfield is much more reasonable than the other private schools in the area and you could live in New Milford and drive in. They may even have New Milford busing but I'm not sure.

I live in Brookfield, which is 5 mins from New Milford! So when you get here, keep in touch so we can connect!

Good luck!

 

[miasandhadleysmom]

Thank you so much. I would really like to apply for the scholarship . I would also consider St. Josephs. Is it okay to not be Catholic? I don't mind my daughter being taught religious concepts but does your family have to attend their church? Thank you so much for all of the info. and I would definitely love to be in touch when we get there!

 

[EStraiton]

Hi there! No you do not have to be Catholic (i was raised catholic but i attend UU church now).. my dd went to their pre-k program which was wonderful btw. You do not have to attend the church however your child will be asked to attend the religion class I believe. And the tuition is only slightly more if you are not a member. If you have a catholic background (but dont practice now) you'd be better off to just register with the church instead of paying more.

Give them a call. It's between $3,000-5000/year I believe and is paid monthly... so if you can find a nice house for less it may be worth it.

xoxo
eileen

 

[EStraiton]

also pm me and i can get you the email address of the friend i have at the waldorf school for the scholarship.