Pre-Schools in Area

[Phoenix Rising]

I have a daughter who will be three in Sept. I am wondering if any of you can direct me towards local pre-schools, and also what your experiences have been if your child has attended? I am looking for a 2 or 3 partial day per week program. I know about St. Rita's, but there is a waiting list to get on the waiting list. I have heard about the Roan School. Last I heard Montessori in Rosemary Beach was requiring a 5 day program. (That is too much time away for me.) Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
Phoenix Rising

 

[Jdarg]

My 5 year old is in a 2 day program at the Roane School (8;30 - 2 T and TH). Other than the drive into Destin, it has been wonderful- fantastic staff, great facility, good curriculum. Their phone number is (850)650-0137. They have a waiting list for most options, but we got lucky with the 2 day programs, since they are not as popular. Like you, I did not want her to go to school more than 2 or 3 partial days a week, but wanted her to have the social interaction more than anything.

Good luck- this was the biggest PIA of our move to SoWal, and if anyone out there is a parent of a preschooler and moving here in the next couple of years, I strongly encourage you to make phone calls TODAY. Your options (within a somewwhat reasonable commute) are Montessori and Roane, plus a few church based preschools. St. Rita's has a waiting list that will never go away- your only chance is attending the church and getting your unborn child on the list!

 

[30Arunaway]

I, too, ran into an issue regarding the preschool options in the area. It is unfortunate that the availability is so limited. The lack of adequate pre-K preparation in both South Walton and Destin was enough for me to delay my move to the area. As a mother of 3, ages 6 and under, preschool availability is of utmost importance. Here in Gulf Breeze and Pensacola, there are a number of opportunities. Hopefully, the South Walton area will realize the importance of providing such programs.

 

[GoodWitch58]

Perhaps an active effort similar to the Play Park needs to be started for pre-school. It is a huge lack.

 

[organicmama]

We have the same thing with our three year old. When we moved here last fall, she suddenly had a baby brother, her big sister was in school and we were in a new location. It has been rough with her. She's begging to go to school and has been on waiting lists.

I think the 2 day program would be good for her at the Roane school. I had only heard about it once before (at least when I was conscious enough to comprehend!) from River's kindergarten teacher.

Thanks everyone for this info!

 

[SGB]

Good News church is planning on opening a preschool when they get settled in their new building. There is probably already a waiting list! Point Washington church is going to be building a family life center. I'm not sure when it will be done, but it has received the required approvals. When that is built, the plan is to have a preschool there too. It doesn't help you today, but there is hope for the future that things will be a bit better!

 

[Curtis]

Gateway Academy (Destiny Worship)has a great program. Our son went 3 days a week and we couldn't have been more pleased. Excellent.

It is located across the street from Silver Sands Outlet Mall.

Curtis

 

[Phoenix Rising]

Thanks for all of the great info. I will definately check into all of the good leads you have given. Does anyone know of any playgroups for kids aged 2-4in SoWal? My daughter LOVES people and especially other kids. Right now we go to the beach and try to find someone with kids who want to play. Sometimes we are lucky and sometimes not. She is so disappointed when we don't find anyone, or when the kids we do find don't want to play with her. She is an only child so I'm sure that being with me 24/7 can get old!

 

[organicmama]

I don't have an only child (a house full of them!), but I have a 3 year old begging for friends because her big sis has all her friends at school. I feel terrible during the day when I am working &/or taking care of baby and hubby is busy and we aren't playing with her. I'd love to start a playgroup up. There is a Santa Rosa Beach mommies group on Meetup.com. They are truly lovely. I see them at the library on Thursdays... they have a lot going on, but my brain doesn't wrap completely around schedules very well..... and so I don't "meetup" with them very often.

 

[Hollibird]

My son went to Roane School also and loved it. He was full time, and had a lot of friends.